Marshes: Wildlife Survey and Management Plan 2004

This survey by M. W. Hanson was commissioned in 2003 by Hackney Biodiversity Partnership. Thanks to them for permission to reproduce the results of the survey.

The report identifies the different habitats of Hackney Marshes, some areas of which are no longer open to the public owing to the 2012 Olympics development, and covers the flora and fauna recorded there during 2004.

It concludes with recommendations for future management of the area and further surveys.

Corrections notified by the author:-

• P67, under 6. North Meadow , the fourth sentence should read:

“The meadow, with its rich flora, is a good invertebrate site, and the location of the rare but distinctive Tachnid Cistogaster globosa – a Red Data Book 1 species.”

• P68, fourth line, Cytiomya continua should read Cistogaster globosa .

HACKNEY MARSHES

WILDLIFE SURVEY AND MANAGEMENT PLAN 2004

M.W. HANSON

SECTION Page

Introduction 1

History of Hackney Marshes 2

Habitats 6

The 2004 survey of Hackney Marshes 7

The higher plants of Hackney Marshes 7

Bryophytes of Hackney Marshes 25

Lichens of Hackney Marshes 29

Diptera on Hackney Marshes 35

Other major invertebrate groups 40

Birds recorded from Hackney Marshes 61

River Lee, Hackney Marshes: Molluscs 62

Management and survey recommendations 63

Tree planting at Hackney Marshes 75

Highlights of the 2004 Hackney Marshes survey 76

Future surveys – Hackney Marshes 77

East Marsh and its proposed development as part of London’s bid to hold the Olympics 78 in 2012

INTRODUCTION

The approximately 170 hectares of land that forms Hackney Marshes are the largest open space in the London Borough of Hackney. The ‘Marshes’ themselves occupy the northern part of an island formed by the and the . Hackney Marshes is an integral part of a mosaic of quality wildlife habitat that constitutes the lower Lee Valley. Significant adjacent and nearby sites include the and (Waterworks) Filter Beds, Walthamstow Marsh, Springfield Park and the Warwick and Maynard Reservoirs. Hackney Marshes is of interest in that the majority of its habitats are secondary in nature. It has no ancient woodland or grassland and this is necessarily reflected in the wildlife that finds a home here. The significance of these habitats is their connection to others – the Lee running like a connecting thread into the Thames to the south and the Essex and countryside to the north.

Much of the useful wildlife interest of Hackney Marshes is peripheral to the site; the now well-wooded banks of the Lea and the Navigation are important wildlife corridors. More than this, the Marshes are the home of East London’s amateur footballers and also prove an extensive and important informal recreational facility for many local people.

The old adage that ‘size matters’ is important in the context of Hackney – for London it is a large site, part of an even larger complex of connected wildlife sites. This extent is important for many wildlife species that exist at a landscape level (examples being many bird species). Thus, it scores over other smaller, fragmented and isolated sites.

• OWNER:

LONDON BOROUGH OF HACKNEY THE TOWN HALL MARE STREET LONDON E8

• PLANNING AUTHORITY:

LONDON BOROUGH OF HACKNEY

• ORDNANCE SURVEY GRID REFERENCE:

TQ 367862

• For recording purposes, most of the area is within the Watsonian recording vice-county* of Middlesex (VC 21), but East Marsh including areas 3 and 4 and the eastern most part of area 21 (both on the east bank of the River Lea) are in the vice-county of South Essex (VC18).

*The vice county system for Great Britain was devised by an English botanist, Hewett Cottrell Watson, for the purposes of illustrating plant distributions. The system first appeared in the third volume of his work Cybele Britannica in 1852 and was refined in later volumes. In this work he listed 38 sub-provinces and 112 counties and vice counties into which he proposed to divide the country (Great Britain). Political boundaries have altered many times since Watson’s day. Change has been both piecemeal (local minor boundary adjustments) and wholesale (as in 1974 and more recent unitary revisions). In the early years of vice county use, some naturalists tried to change vice county boundaries to match these revisions but it was soon realised that much of the value of the vice counties was in their stability, which should enable comparisons of data over long time periods. Stable boundaries also made it easier to develop and maintain national networks of vice county recorders who coordinate and validate recording in their set areas.

• The whole site is within the L.N.H.S. recording area.

• Situated in the Regional Park.

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 1

• Managed by:

London Borough of Hackney Hackney Marsh Parks Depot Road London E9 5PF

Designations

• Hackney Marshes were designated Metropolitan Open Space and Common Land in 1894 (and subsequently under the Commons Registration Act, 1965).

• The River Lea and Lee Navigation are recognised as an integral part of the Lee Valley Site of Metropolitan Importance for nature conservation (MO71) (designated 2002).

• Daubeney Field (HC B1103) and (formerly) Arena Field (HC B1101) are sites of borough importance for wildlife.

The following section is largely repeated from previous management plans (Fried van Dorslaer, 2000 with later revisions), but is of interest and relevance to the presentation of the current management plan.

HISTORY OF HACKNEY MARSHES

Hackney Marshes and the Lee Valley have a long history. which now divides the London Boroughs of Hackney and Waltham Forest, was once the boundary between Saxon, Christian and land ruled by , and in more recent times, between Middlesex, and Essex. The River Lea has a long history as an important transport route between Hertfordshire and East London/the City. There were often tensions between the barge owners who wanted a regular flow of water for their barges and the mill owners, such as those at and , who wanted to take water from the river to power their mills. The bricks used for building Hackney and coal for the power station at Millfields were brought in by barge. The Lee Navigation canal was built in 1768 between Lea Bridge Weir and Bow Locks to provide a better route for barges. In the 19th and early 20th centuries there were factories along the Lee Navigation (as the was known in this area) such as Lesneys (manufacturer of metal toys) and wood yards, such as those at Sperry’s Wharf. The industries along the Lea polluted the river and as Isaac Walton recorded in a famous 19th century account, destroyed the fishing for which the river had been well-known. In more recent times, the water quality has improved and herons, cormorants and kingfishers share their fishing spots with anglers. The Lee Navigation is now used largely for recreation for canoes, rowing and narrow boats, although there are plans to transport waste by barge from Hackney to the incinerator at Edmonton.

For hundreds of years the Marshes were Lammas Lands. Owners of Lammas Rights used the Marshes to grow crops, but once these were harvested, local people were allowed to pasture their on the Marshes. In 1894 the Lammas Rights were purchased for a sum of £75,000 by the LCC and Hackney Council, so Hackney Marshes could be enjoyed as open space by local people ‘in perpetuity’. These rights were further codified by the designation of Hackney Marshes as Metropolitan Open Space and registered under Commons Registration Act, 1965. When they bought the Lammas Rights, LCC made changes to the River Lea, cutting out some of its meanders and planting trees along the bank. The trees they planted are now fully mature – one of the splendours of Hackney Marshes. The Marshes were laid out as football pitches, starting the long tradition of amateur football. There were substantial changes during the Second World War. The Marshes were again farmed for a time, but bomb rubble from the City of London was dumped on the Main Marsh, raising its height by almost two metres. One impact of this rubble and of the

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Flood Relief Channel built in the 1950s was that the Marshes became less liable to flooding. There are remnants of the old level of the Marshes along the bank of the Old River Lea, and in the Dip where there were once changing rooms, providing a contrast with the expanse of flat land.

By the 1970s Millfields power station had ceased to operate and much of it was demolished. The land on which coal for the power station had been stored became part of the Marshes again (now the north car park meadow). However, at its southern end parts of the Marshes were lost to development and road building, such as factories (now housing) along Lee Conservancy Road, and more recently M11 Link Road (now renamed A12). As a result Morris, Weekes, White Hart, Arena Field and were cut off from the Main Marsh, for which they act as important buffer zones. Wick Woodland was planted to compensate for trees destroyed in building the M11 Link Road and to reduce the impact of air and noise pollution from the road on people’s enjoyment of Hackney Marshes. In recompense for the loss of land to the M11 Link road, a stretch of land with a pedestrian and cycle path on the old power station site was given to Hackney, together with the Triangle on Walthamstow Marsh. The stretch along the power station site was planted with trees and bushes.

River Lea and Lee Navigation

Old River Lea and Lee Navigation are part of Site of Metropolitan Importance (M071). The river and river bank habitats make the Marshes unique in the Hackney context. Positioned towards the southern end of the Lea Valley, Old River Lea is tidal – the only section of tidal water in Hackney – and, as argued in ERM Survey conducted in 1998 for SRB, has natural gravels which are important for spawning fish. The River and Lee Navigation are the largest stretch of water in Hackney’s parks and are of substantial wildlife interest (areas 1, 2, 3). Throughout the year can be seen Kingfisher, Heron, Cormorant, Little Grebe, Swan, Greylag and Canada Geese. In the spring and summer dragonflies, warblers, young Mallard, Coot and Moorhen can be seen and heard. The Kingfisher is an attractive bird, a good indicator of water quality, and has been designated as a key species in the ’s Biodiversity Plan. In the autumn duck such as Teal, Tufted Duck and Gadwall arrive from Siberia, Scandinavia and northern Britain to spend the winter on the Old River Lea.

Large open areas

Hackney Marshes – the Main Marsh, East Marsh, and Mabley Green – are the home of amateur football, as well as other sporting activities and kite flying. On winter weekends the Marshes are busy with footballers and those who come to watch. In the summer cricket is played on Arena Field (18), East Marsh and Main Marsh. Until recently a campsite operated from North Changing Rooms. For the rest of the week the football pitches are home to Starlings, Wood Pigeon, Canada Geese and flocks of gulls which fly in from their roosting sites on Lee Valley Reservoirs.

Song Thrushes – birds which are in serious decline – roost in the wooded areas and feed on the open grassland and Kestrels perch on the goal posts looking for food. Plans have been approved to improve the landscape and wildlife of Mabley Green (19) while ensuring its traditional use for Sunday football. It is suggested, for example, that the football pitches are managed to increase their nature conservation value, for example by exploring the possibility of changing the cutting regime in the summer months and reducing the use of herbicides. Schemes for sports and events need to include assessments of their impact for wildlife. Enhancement of fencing through hedge and other planting would improve the appearance of the north and south car parks.

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 3

Trees, wooded and scrub areas

The Marshes are edged with splendid mature trees – mainly black poplar, ash, London plane and willow. These were planted along Lower Level (1), Wooded Bank (5), the Dip (12) and Wick Field (17) at the end of the 19th century, when the Marshes came into public ownership. They provide year-round interest and are home to a variety of bird species of considerable nature conservation interest, such as Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, Mistle and Song Thrush and Jay. Other trees have been planted over the last fifty years, with the result that Hackney Marshes is now ringed with trees, woodland and scrub, as well as native trees and an extensive range of exotic trees, such as Zelkova, Southern Beech, Mulberry and Wellingtonia (14, 16a, 16d, 16e, 17). The Hackney Marsh User Group has been involved over the last decade in planting trees in North and East Woodland (2). In the mid 1990s Groundwork Hackney (now Groundwork East London) has been successful in raising funding from a variety of external sources for Wick Community Woodland (17) and Malik Wood (9) and in from 2000 for friends, Jubilee and Kingfisher Woods. NUFU Wood (7) was externally funded as a demonstration woodland. Wick Woodland was planted and is being maintained with the assistance of local schools and voluntary groups, such as Hackney Marsh User Group, London Wildlife Trust and Hackney Tree Wardens. The plan presented here continues to involve local schools and voluntary groups in Wick Woodland and other recently planted woodlands to encourage a strong sense of ownership.

The planting of trees, bushes and hedges over the last 30 years now means green corridors have been created on Main and East Marsh, connecting the Marshes visually and physically with the Lea Valley and surrounding areas. Some areas – Crescent Wood (13) Lee Valley Scrub (8) Arena Field (18) Marshgate Scrub (15) and Wick Scrub (17) were planted by Lee Valley Park. Spitalfield Market Scrub (4) was planted when the market moved to its current site in 1990 and Red Path Rough and Wick Triangle (20) were created as a result of road building. Red Path Rough/area between two sections of A102(M) and Wick Triangle (designated as local sites of nature conservation significance in Hackney’s Nature Conservation strategy in 1993) are not currently included in any maintenance plan and it is suggested that they are included in the contract for the Marshes. These and other areas of woodland scrub on Daubeney Field (22) Millfields (23) and near Princess of Wales (24) provide cover and nesting for a variety of species of birds, including Chaffinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Gold Crest and Long Tailed Tit. A main focus will be on managing established areas to enhance further their nature conservation value, with regular thinning of invasive species such as Sycamore and Buddleia, and the creation of a number of open areas which are attractive to species such as Speckled Wood (eg 2, 8, 11, 17, 22).

Meadow and grassland

The mowing regime on the Marshes has changed over the last decade with more areas managed as meadow and grassland. For example, the North Meadow (6) is mown once a year. This, together with some wild flower plantings, has changed the visual appearance as well as the wildlife value of the North Meadow. The longer grass has encouraged, for example, small mammals which are hunted by Kestrels and Sparrow Hawks. Grass cutting has also largely ceased in the conservation areas (1, 2, 9, 10, 12, 14). This change in cutting regime has reduced the damage to trees from mowing – a major source of dissatisfaction from users – and an increase in herbs and plants, such as cow parsley, nettle, thistle, teasel, and garlic mustard, which are important for butterflies such as orange tip, red admiral, meadow brown and small tortoiseshell and for birds such as goldfinch. The Dip (12) is particularly valuable because it is sloped. It is planned to increase the area of grassland managed for nature conservation when this does not interfere with the football pitches along the edge of North and East Woodland (2) on East Marsh along the bank of the Old River Lea (3) and Arena Field (18). Consultation on Mabley Green suggested managing it to increase the diversity of plants (19). It is planned to manage the grassland in a variety of ways, with areas close to paths mowed frequently to encourage short grasses and plants and those in woodlands cut less frequently to allow taller plants and grass to be cut at different times of the year to encourage areas of spring and summer flowers.

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 4

Brownfield Sites

Area 21 straddling the River Lea and situated between Eastway Sports Centre and the new section of the A12 (formerly White Hart, Morris and Weeks Fields) is probably the single most important site for invertebrates on Hackney Marshes. Disparagingly called wasteland, such sites often with mineral deficient soils, lacking tree and shrub cover and subjected to summer drought, have an fauna rich in bees, wasps and spiders which can resemble that of lowland heath land. As in the case of area 21 a rich, but often weed-like flora develops (c112 species of higher plant were recorded from area 21 in 2004). This results in an abundance of flowers, seed and over-wintering dead stems, all vital factors in the survival of its rich invertebrate fauna. Often subject to “clearing and tidying” schemes followed by tree planting (or further development) such sites soon lose their wildlife interest. One of the most important features of area 21 (East) has been the construction of a ‘bund’ around the entire site to prevent traveller encroachment and vehicle abandonment. The 5 – 6ft high earth/rubble wall, particularly where it is south or east facing, is an excellent habitat for invertebrates of many orders (it is good for burrowing bees and wasps). The many patches of bare ground and in places sandy substrate in area 21 (West) make ideal conditions for wasp, spider and grasshoppers, the latter group here building-up sizeable populations.

Sport and Recreation on the Marshes

Sunday football draws people to the Marshes in the winter months from a wide catchment area in North and East London. However, a wide range of other informal recreational activities occur, such as cycling, walking, jogging (plus other forms of keep-fit now that the new ‘outdoor gym’ has been installed), dog walking, kite flying, bird-watching, picnicing, listening to music and sometimes just sitting ‘watching the world go by’.

Canoeists, scullers and barges use the Lee Navigation. Fishermen use the River Lea as well. More contentious users would include kite boarders, model aircraft enthusiasts and practising golfers who could potentially cause accidents to other public users. Sometimes dog walkers also do not have the necessary control that is required of their animals when in a well-used public site. Other sports seen on the Marshes include Rugby, cricket and athletics.

The west side of the Marshes (areas 9 – 13 and 22) in particular is important for informal recreation because of their close proximity to nearby dense housing and these areas are consequently a much-used part of the Marshes. The bridges and their immediate entry and exit points are important focal points for this area. Recently erected statuary (installations for use as information boards) around the Marshes has given much needed points of interest for local users.

Some general issues need to be addressed to ensure the Marshes are enjoyed by a wide range of Hackney people. These include:

• Dog mess – balancing the recreational needs of dogs and dog owners with those, including children, who wish to sit and play in areas free of dog mess.

• Access – access is difficult in many places. There is no signing at Cow Bridge to indicate this is the entrance to the largest open space in Hackney. The bridge is in a poor state of repair, with unattractive (and now unnecessary) fencing and holes in the road. Access is difficult for wheelchairs and pushchairs at most points of entry.

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 5

• Rubbish – the clearance of rubbish is always an issue. Rubbish left by footballers at weekends blows into conservation areas and rubbish clearance over such a large area is difficult and often haphazard.

• Seating – the seats and picnic tables are appreciated and well used. They are liable to damage and need to be replaced regularly. Elderly people and those with children emphasise the value of seating for enabling them to make good use of open space.

• Toilets – there is one set of toilets on the Marshes, but they are usually closed.

• There is currently a lack of signage at entry points to the Marshes and a lack of interpretation boards.

HABITATS

Hackney Marshes are an important link with other wildlife sites in the . It is of note that the whole site consists of secondary habitats (there is no ancient woodland or ancient grassland). The largest area of habitat is, as expected, the species- poor, heavily-mown grassland that is covered by football pitches over the winter period. The remaining habitat, which is of interest for its wildlife, is on the periphery of the site.

(A) The River Lea and Lee Navigation (B) The Riparian habitat, particularly that adjacent to the River Lea (C) Meadow grassland with ant-hills in the north of the site (areas 6 and 7) (D) Brown-field sites (disturbed ground) (area 21 east and west) (E) Various wooded areas, all planted, which include some very mature trees, probably over one hundred years old, along the Lea (area 1); semi-mature plantings mainly of hybrid poplars and other salicaceae , probably of 20 – 25 years growth (area 2); Wick Woodland planted post 1995, with a great variety of native tree species (area 17) and very recent plantings of a more limited range of native species – Jubilee Wood, Friends Wood, Swan Wood, Yew Wood, Kingfisher and North Wood. In addition to these treed areas, there are linear belts of mature trees (Ash, Black Poplar, Plane and Balsam Poplar) at various sites within Hackney Marshes, including Wick Woodland, Mabley Green, either side of Homerton Road and Ruckholt Road (East Marsh) (F) There are occasional pockets of scrub in various places such as Daubeney Field (area 22) in North Meadow (area 6) and by the Lee Navigation and East Marsh (area 3 and 4)

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 6

THE 2004 SURVEY OF HACKNEY MARSHES

Habitats on Hackney Marshes were surveyed between January and December 2004 – the following groups were recorded:

Vascular Plants - Tim Pyner and M.W.Hanson

Lichens - John Skinner

Mosses - Tim Pyner

Invertebrates: Spiders - Peter Harvey Bees and Wasps - Peter Harvey - Del Smith

In addition, many other invertebrate groups were recorded – Butterflies (Lepidoptera), Beetles (Coleoptera), True Bugs (Hemiptera), Grasshoppers and Crickets (Orthoptera), Centipedes and Millipedes, Woodlice (Crustacea) and some aquatic snails (Mollusca). Casual un-located records of birds were also made.

The Higher Plants of Hackney Marshes

Hackney Marshes has had a long history of botanical exploration – for over two hundred years the site has attracted the interest of a number of, sometimes eminent, botanists. One of the earliest of these was Edward Forster Jr (1765 – 1825) who did much recording in Hackney and whose herbarium is now preserved in the Natural History Museum. James Eddowes Cooper (1864 – 1952) made an extensive study of the adventive species of plant found on rubbish tips. In particular he studied the Hackney Marsh rubbish tip, which proved to be a rich source of weed species from all over the world. His herbarium is in the Natural History Museum and that at the Royal Botanic Garden, Kew. Perhaps the best known of all the botanists to work Hackney Marshes was George Claridge Druce (1850 – 1932), a prolific author of many county floras and famously Mayor of Oxford. Like Cooper, he too studied the marshes for its unusual weed flora associated with the rubbish tip. Twentieth and twenty-first century botanists include Ronald Melville, Royston Leslie, Bernard Ward, Brian Wurzell, Tim Pyner and M.W.Hanson.

The historic plants are a very telling record of the changes that have happened to the Marshes over the last two centuries, as it went from a rural pastoral landscape to being a site on the edge of a great metropolis and finally, being engulfed and totally surrounded by urban London with its associated housing and industry.

Reminders of its rural origins include some typical old grassland and wet meadow species. These include Adder’s Tongue (Ophioglossum vulgatum, 1845) Meadow Rue (Thalictrum flavum, 1865) Sheep’s-bit (Jasione montana, pre-1789) and the Marsh Orchid (Dactylorhiza praetermissa, 1792), the latter being found in the marshes by Lea Bridge by Edward Forster. Another interesting group are the arable weeds which would have turned-up in cultivated ground. Such records include Field Buttercup (Ranunculus arvensis, 1912) the now rare Stinking Goosefoot (Chenopodium vulvaria, 1916) known today often as a species of allotments, Shepherds Needle (Scandix pecten-veneris, 1924) today a much declined arable weed, as is Corn Marigold (Chrysanthemum segetum, 1912 - 20).

Perhaps the most interesting group are the freshwater/marshland species that were found in or adjacent to the River Lea and Lee Navigation. These include plants such as Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris, n.d.) Great Pond Sedge (Carex riparia, 1871) Flowering Rush (Butomus umbellatus, <1869) and Marsh Horsetail (Equisetum palustre, 1797). The Water Forget-me-not (Myosotis caespitosa) was apparently first recorded for Middlesex by Forster in 1792 from Hackney Marshes. Fully aquatic plants from the river and canal include records of Whorled Water Milfoil (Myriophyllum verticillatum, 1869) the Potamogetons

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 7

(lucens, 1881 and perfoliatus <1935) and River Water Dropwort (Oenanthe fluviatilis, 19th c.). One rarity recorded was the Water Crowfoot (Ranunculus circinatus, <1900) a species often recorded from old flooded gravel pits.

Another interesting group of plants from the historic record are those species probably associated with the fact that the Lea is tidal at Hackney Marsh. These include Mud Rush (Juncus gerardii, 1914) Reflexed Salt-Marsh Grass (Puccinellia distans, 1910) Seablite (Suaeda maritima, 1909) and Sea Aster (Aster tripolium, 1912). The historic list of neophytes from Hackney Marshes is impressive. Kent (1975) lists over 70 species of exotics from here.

The Present Day Flora of Hackney Marshes

Excluding trees and shrubs, the 2004 survey of Hackney Marshes revealed the presence of around 190 species of higher plant. The vast majority of the species recorded are, unsurprisingly, widespread and common in southern England, particularly in urban areas and many would be considered typical weed (ruderal) species. The full list of those species recorded is given in Table 1. Tables 2 and 3 list those species recorded from area 21, the brown-field (disturbed ground site) which (including the two sites on either side of the River Lea) produced a total of 112 species. Most of these were weed species, but the list included some garden escapes (Hollyhock, White Campion and Chicory). We suspect also that the western most part of site 21 had been seeded at some stage with plants such as Wild Carrot, Vervain (1 plant), Marjoram (1 plant) and the grass Agrostis castellana (some species are more typical of chalky ground). Due to the secondary nature of the habitat, there were no significant records of ancient woodland plants. However, the list does include Ramsons, Wild Bluebell, Arum, Pendulous Sedge (one plant found along the banks of the Lea) and Foxglove, which are typical woodland species.

North Meadow (area 6) has a rich (51 species) but presumably entirely artificial meadow flora. A list is given in table 4. The best of these plants included Pyramidal Orchid (not seen by me, but photographed and displayed in the foyer of the adjacent Waterworks Visitor Centre), the tiny-flowered Early Forget-me- not, a rare species in the London area, Salad Burnet and Cowslip. Perhaps of all the plants, and certainly the most attention seeking, were the large weed species (see Table 8), which dominate the bank of the old river Lea – Russian Comfrey, Himalayan Balsam, Japanese Knotweed and now, just about under control, the odd specimen of Giant Hogweed (see Table 8).

Russian Comfrey – Introduced into Britain in 1827 as a fodder plant, this is now fairly common in the London area.

Himalayan Balsam – Best known for its ability to eject its seed many feet from the plant, it was introduced to Britain in 1839 and became widely naturalised along river systems, which effectively transport its seed. It can be a troublesome competitor to less aggressive native species.

Japanese Knotweed – Introduced to cultivation in Britain pre-1840, this species is now a major pest species. It reached London about 1860 and is now found all over the U.K. (including Scotland and Wales). Its dense mass of tall bamboo-like stems excludes other plant species and impedes access.

Giant Hogweed – Currently successfully controlled on the Hackney bank of the River Lea, but not so on the opposite bank, where dense stands occur dropping their seeds into the Lea and potentially starting more colonies. Growing to over 12 feet (3 metres) tall and with giant umbels of white flowers, each individual plant can produce over 5,000 seeds. The irritant sap and bristles contain chemicals called furocoumarins which react with sunlight to produce burn-weals in anyone unlucky enough to come into contact with the sap. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981, it is an offence to plant or otherwise cause it to grow in the wild. Interestingly its hybrid with Hogweed is present along the banks of the Lea. It is intermediate in size between the two parents, but has been known here since at least 1967.

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Table 1. Plants from Hackney Marshes Recorded 2003 – 2004 Areas 1 – 24 Inclusive Recorders: M.W.Hanson and Tim Pyner

Achillea millefolium Cirsium vulgare Agrostis stolonifera Clematis vitalba Agrostis castellana Conium maculatum Alcea rosea Convolvulus arvensis Alliaria petiolata Conyza sumatrensis Allium ursinum Coronopus squamatus Alopecurus myosuroides Corydalis lutea Alopecurus pratensis Crepis vesicaria Anacamptis pyramidalis Cynosurus cristatus Anisanthus sterilis Cystisus scoparius Anthriscus sylvestris Dactylis glomerata Aphanes arvensis Daucus carota Arabidopsis thaliana Deschampsia caespitosa Arctium minus Digitalis purpurea Arenaria serpyllifolia Diplotaxis tenuifolia Armoracia rusticana Dipsacus fullonum Arrhenatherum elatius Elytrigia repens Artemesia vulgaris Endymion hispanicus Arum maculatum Endymion non-scriptus Aster sp. Epilobium angustifolium Atriplex prostrata Epilobium hirsutum Ballota nigra Erophila verna Barbarea vulgaris Euphorbia helioscopa Bellis perennis Euphorbia peplus Beta sp. Festuca arundinacea Brachypodium sylvaticum Festuca rubra Brassica napus Festuca rubra ssp .commutata Calystegia sp. Foeniculum vulgare Capsella bursa-pastoris Fumaria officinalis Cardamine hirsuta Galega officinale Cardamine flexuosa Galium aparine Cardaria draba Galium mollugo Carex hirta Galium verum Carex pendula Geranium dissectum Centaurea nigra Geranium lucidum Centaurea scabiosa Geranium molle Cerastium fontanum Geranium pratense Cerastium glomeratum Geranium pyrenaicum Chenopodium album Geranium robertianum Cichorium intybus Geum urbanum Cirsium arvense Hedera helix

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Heracleum mantegazzianum Plantago coronopus Heracleum sphondylium Plantago lanceolata Heracleum manteg. x sphond. Plantago major Hirschfeldia incana Plantago media Holcus lanatus Poa annua Hordeum murinum Poa trivialis Hordeum secalinum Polygonum aviculare Hypericum perforatum Potentilla reptans Hypochoeris radicata Primula veris Impatiens glandulifera Puccinellia distans Juncus inflexus Ranunculus bulbosus Knautia arvensis Ranunculus ficaria Lactuca serriola Ranunculus repens Lathyrus latifolia Reseda lutea Lamium album Reynoutria japonica Lamium amplexicaule Rubus fruticosus agg. Lamium purpureum Rumex acetosa Lapsana communis Rumex conglomeratus Leontodon autumnalis Rumex crispus Leucanthemum vulgare Rumex cristatus Linaria purpurea Rumex obtusifolius Linaria vulgaris Sagina procumbens Lolium multiflorum Sanguisorba minor ssp. muricata Lolium perenne Schoenoplectus lacustris (prob.) Lotus corniculatus Senecio jacobaea Lychnis coronaria Senecio vulgaris Malva moschata Silene alba Malva sylvestris Silene dioica Matricaria matricarioides Sisymbrium officinale Matricaria recutita Sisymbrium orientale Medicago arabica Solanum dulcamara Medicago lupulina Solidago sp. Melilotus alba Sonchus asper Mercurialis annua Sonchus oleraceus Myosotis ramosissima Stachys sylvatica Nuphar lutea Stellaria graminea Oenanthe crocata Stellaria media Origanum vulgare Symphytum x uplandicum Papaver rhoeas Tanacetum parthenium Papaver somniferum Taraxacum officinale agg. Pastinaca sativa Thlaspi arvense Pentaglottis sempervirens Tragopogon pratensis Phalaris arundinacea Trifolium dubium Phleum pratense Trifolium hybridum Picris echiodes Trifolium pratense Picris hieracioides Trifolium repens

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 10

Tripleurospermum inodorum Trisetum flavescens Tussilago farfara Ulex europaeus Urtica dioica Urtica urens Verbena officinalis Veronica arvensis Veronica chamaedrys Veronica hederifolia Veronica persica Vicia cracca Vicia hirsuta Vicia sativa s.sp. saggitalis Vicia sepium Viola arvensis Vulpia bromoides Vulpia myuros

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 11

Table 2. Area 21 (W) Middlesex – 2004

Achillea millefolium Leucanthemum vulgare Agrostis castellana Linaria purpurea Agrostis stolonifera Linaria vulgaris Alcea rosea Lolium perenne Arctium minus Malva moschata Arenaria serpyllifolia Malva sylvestris Artemesia vulgaris Matricaria recutita Aster sp. Medicago lupulina Atriplex prostrata Melilotus alba Ballota nigra Mercurialis annua Brassica napus Muscari sp. Buddleia davidii Oenothera glazioviana Capsella bursa-pastoris Origanum vulgare Cerastium glomeratum Papaver sumniferum Chenopodium album Picris echioides Chrysanthemum parthenium Picris hieracioides Cirsium arvense Plantago coronopus Cirsium vulgare Plantago lanceolata Convolvulus arvensis Plantago major Conyza sumatrensis Plantago media Corydalis lutea Poa annua Crepis capillaris Poa trivialis Crepis vesicaria Polygonum aviculare Daucus carota Potentilla reptans Deschampsia caespitosa Prunella vulgaris Diplotaxis tenuifolia Puccinellia distans Elytrygia repens Reseda lutea Epilobium hirsutum Reynoutria japonica Euphorbia peplus Rumex conglomeratus Festuca rubra Rumex crispus Galega officinale Rumex obtusifolius Galium aparine Senecio jacobaea Galium mollugo Silene dioica Geranium lucidum Sisymbrium officinale Geranium pratense Sisymbrium orientale Hirschfeldia incana Solanum dulcamara Holcus lanatus Sonchus oleraceus Hordeum murinum Taraxacum sp. Hypericum perforatum Trifollum dubium Hypochoeris radicata Trifollum pratense Lactuca serriola Trifollum repens Lamium album Tripleurospermum inodorum Lathyrus latifolia Urtica dioica Leontodon autumnalis Vicia sativa

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 12

Viola arvensis Vulpia myuros 90 spp.

Planted

Cornus sanguinea Fraxinus excelsior Salix purpurea

Table 3. Area 21 (E) Essex - 2004 (Species additional to area 21 (W) )

Alopecurus myosuroides Anthriscus sylvestris Armoracia rusticana Arrhenatherum elatius Ballota nigra Cardaria draba Carex hirta Cichorium intybus Conium maculatum Dipsacus fullonum Foeniculum vulgare Geranium dissectum Knautia arvensis Papaver rhoeas Pastinaca sativa Pentaglottis sempervirens Ranunculus repens Reynoutria japonica Sambucus nigra Senecio vulgaris Silene alba 21 spp.

Garden Escapes

Rhus typhina Tagetes sp. Alcea rosea Lychnis coronaria

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 13

Table 4. Area 6 – Meadow – 2004

Achillea millefolium Trifolium dubium Alopecurus pratensis Trisetum flavescens Anacamptis pyramidalis Veronica arvensis Anisanthus sterilis Veronica chamaedrys Anthriscus sylvestris Veronica persica Aphanes arvensis Vicia sativa var sagittalis Arabidopsis thaliana Vulpia bromoides 51 spp. Arrhenatherum elatius Cardamine hirsuta Centaurea nigra Cerastium fontanum Cerastium glomeratum Dactylis glomerata Daucus carota Euphorbia helioscopa Festuca rubra ssp. commutata Galium aparine Geranium dissectum Geranium molle Heracleum sphondylium Holcus lanatus Knautia arvenis Lamium amplexicaule Lamium purpureum Leucanthemum vulgare Lolium perenne Lotus corniculatus Malva moschata Matricaria recutita Myosotis ramoississima Phleum pratense Plantago lanceolata Poa pratensis Potentilla reptans Primula veris Ranunculus bulbosus Rumex acetosa Rumex cristatus Sanguisorba minor ssp. muricata Senecio jacobaea Silene alba Sisymbrium officinale Stellaria media Thlaspi arvense

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 14

Table 5. Plantings in 10 and 11 (Recent) (Friends, Jubilee, Swan and Yew Woods)

Acer campestre Carpinus betulus Corylus avellana Fraxinus excelsior Quercus robur Taxus baccata

Table 6 . Plantings in 17 (post 1995) Wick Woodland

Acer campestre Alnus glutinosa Betula pendula Corylus avellana Crataegus monogyna Frangula alnus Fraxinus excelsior Fraxinus excelsior var. diversifolia Malus sylvestris Populus nigra Prunus avium Quercus petraea Quercus robur Salix alba Salix fragilis Salix viminalis Taxus baccata Viburnum opulus

Table 7 . Football Pitches

Dactylis glomerata Lolium perenne Phleum pratense Poa pratensis Potentilla reptans Taraxacum sp.

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Table 8. Notable Weed Species

Conyza sumatrensis Diplotaxis tenuifolia Galega officinale Heracleum mantegazzianum Impatiens glandulifera Reynoutria japonica Rumex cristatus Symphytum x uplandicum

Table 9. Plants (other than introduced trees and shrubs) found in Wick Woodland (area 17)

Achillea millefolium Alliaria petiolata Anisanthus sterilis Anthriscus sylvestris Arrhenatherum elatius Artemisia vulgaris Ballota nigra Dactylis glomerata Epilobium hirsutum Festuca rubra Fumaria officinalis Galium aparine (dominant) Geranium dissectum Plantago lanceolata Poa annua Poa trivialis Rumex cristata Sambucus ebulus Sonchus asper Sonchus oleraceus Symphytum x uplandicum Tragopogon pratensis Urtica dioica

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 16

Table 10 Car Park adjacent to area 7 – a selection of higher plants

Arabidopsis thaliana Aphanes arvensis Cerastium fontanum Conyza sumatrensis Coronopus squamatus Crepis vesicaria Diplotaxis tenuifolia Erophila verna Galega officinalis Geranium dissectum Geranium molle Hirschfeldia incana Plantago coronopus Vulpia (bromoides?)

Table 11 Mabley Green – area 19 a selection of higher plants

Achillea millefolium Alopecurus pratensis Aphanes arvensis Bellis perennis Capsella bursa – pastoris Cerastium fontanum Cirsium arvense Dactylis glomerata Diplotaxis tenuifolia Galium mollugo Geranium dissectum Geranium molle Hordeum murinum Lamium amplexicaule Lolium perenne Malva sylvestris Poa annua Potentilla reptans Rumex crispus Taraxacum officinale Trifolium dubium

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Trees and Shrubs on Hackney Marshes

Native Introduced

Acer campestre Acer negundo Alnus glutinosa Acer platanoides Betula pendula Acer pseudoplatanus Carpinus betulus Acer saccharinum Cornus sanguinea Aesculus x carnea Corylus avellana Aesculus hippocastanum Crataegus monogyna Ailanthus altissima Frangula alnus Alnus cordata Fraxinus excelsior Amelanchier sp. Ilex aquifolium Buddleia davidii Malus sylvestris Cotoneaster cornubia Populus alba Fraxinus angustifolia Populus x canescens Fraxinus excelsior ‘diversifolia’ Populus nigra var betulifolia Lonicera japonica Populs tremula Lonicera nitida Prunus avium Malus domestica Prunus padus Morus alba Prunus spinosa Nothofagus obliqua Quercus petraea Platanus x acerifolia Quercus robur Populus x nigra f. italica Salix alba Populus x serotina Salix caprea Populus trichocarpa Salix fragilis Prunus (domestica) Salix purpurea Prunus laurocerasus Salix x reichhardtii Prunus lusitanica Salix viminalis Pyracantha sp. Sambucus ebulis Pyrus salicifolia Sambucus nigra Quercus ilex Sorbus aucuparia Rhus typhina Sorbus torminalis Robinia pseudoacacia Taxus baccata Salix x sepulcralis Tilia cordata Sequoiadendron giganteum Tilia platyphyllos Sorbus aucuparia ‘asplenifolia’ Tilia x vulgaris Sorbus intermedia Viburnum opulus Sorbus latifolia Tilia tomentosa Zelkova serrata

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The Native Black Poplar – Populus nigra var betulifolia

There is little doubt that in terms of number of individual trees, Hackney Marsh Recreation Ground is the most important site for this species in the London area (as defined by the London Natural History Society recording area). There are some 43 mature trees along the banks of the old River Lea, plus more recent plantings of around 40 individuals (since 1995) of this rare tree. The only other London site I know of which comes anywhere near Hackney Marsh, is the Thames at Barnes (near the London Wetland Centre) which has under 40 trees.

The native Black Poplar (also known as the Water Poplar) is important from a conservation point of view, in that it is Britain’s rarest timber tree. It was virtually a forgotten tree and until the 1970s, many botanists lumped it together with the modern hybrid Black poplars. It is, however, a very distinctive native species characterised by a thick leaning trunk with a rugged, fissured bark punctuated by numerous bosses and burrs. The boughs with maturity develop characteristic down-curving branches and the ‘spear’ shaped leaves are also very distinctive. At one stage it was thought there might be fewer than a thousand individual trees left in the U.K. – it is a characteristic tree of the flood-plains of river systems. However, recording since the 1970s has revealed the presence of some 7,600 individuals. The so-called Manchester Poplar of the Greater Manchester area has been found to be genetically identical to the wild tree. It was a much propagated clone planted in hundreds here between the 1900s and 1930s. The other centre of population for this species is the Vale of Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire, which is likely to have more trees than the rest of Britain put together. One tetrad here (a 2km square) containing the villages of Long Marston and Astrope has some 270 trees alone. The whole of Essex has only some 220 known trees (however, new trees are being added yearly – I found seven new trees in the county in 2004).

In the distant past the tree had many uses. Its bark is light, like cork, and was used to support fishing nets. The wood does not splinter easily and was used by wood-turners to make trays and small tool handles. It was also a favoured wood for bellows-boards. In building it was said to be useful for rafters, poles and rails and especially because of its fire resistance, it was used for floorboards (it was said to be useless as fuel for the fire). As a tough wood it was used for packing cases and the floors of farm wagons. In some areas the leaves were gathered, dried and used for sheep fodder in the winter.

Interestingly, the Water Poplar is dioecious – that is, the trees are different sexes. The female trees produce copious quantities of white ‘cotton’ fluff when the seeds are ripened, often in such a quantity as to present an annoyance locally, with the result that the majority of trees planted were male (as is the case with the Hackney Marsh trees, all of the old plantings being male). I am not aware of the sex of the recent plantings (nor of the origin of these trees) which can be found at least on East Marsh and particularly in the Wick Woodland. The fact that it is easy to strike cuttings and is therefore easy to propagate, plus the problems associated with the female tree’s “fluff” mean that the British population is probably very vulnerable to disease. In Manchester the disease ‘poplar scab’ (possibly a fungal disease caused by a Venturia sp.) has swept through the population of black poplars there and should be regarded as a potential threat to the Hackney Marsh poplars and vigilance is required over the next few years. It is also of some note that the Black Poplars on Hackney Marsh consist of a variety of managed types along the old River Lea. I found at least 13 pollarded trees, 5 coppice stools and 5 standards. One of the pollard trees (at TQ 37029 86054) has a girth of 14 feet (4.27m) at 1.5m and this is likely to be one of the largest in the London area.

What is the origin of the Hackney Marsh trees and how old are they? Black Poplars grow fairly quickly and I suspect that many of the mature plantings date from 1894, when the lammas rights were extinguished and the land came under the jurisdiction of the then London County Council and is known to have planted trees at this time. The trees may have been planted as a quick-growing shelter-belt. The Water Poplars here would probably have been an unusual choice in the late 19th century, because the quicker-growing hybrid Black Poplars were available at this time.

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 19

The Lea Valley Biodiversity Action Plan (published 2000) mentions only a single native Black Poplar in the Lea Valley (at Waltham Abbey – see page 42) but singles it out as a notable species. Hackney, with a significant London population, must surely be added to this list with this wonderful legacy.

HACKNEY MARSH RECREATION GROUND

43 TREES

29 large males along west bank of Lea, 2 along the east bank 12 (2x6) medium sized males either side of B112

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PLANTING GUIDELINES

• In East Anglia the tree has traditionally been planted in river valleys. It grows best on damp sites such as riverbanks, wet meadows, ditches and beside ponds. Where trees are found outside of the valleys, they are often on village greens or near to farms.

• The tree does not like shade and shouldn’t be included in woodland planting schemes.

• Black poplars are very large trees needing lots of space. They should be planted at least twenty metres apart if they are to develop their distinctive shape.

• They have large root systems and suck-up lots of water. Think carefully before planting near buildings, archaeological sites, small ponds, or important wetland.

• Female trees should be well away from dwellings because of the masses of seed they shed.

KEEPING BLACK POPLARS SPECIAL

• Part of the significance of this tree lies in its rarity. Excessive and widespread planting will devalue it. Planting should be focused on the places it traditionally occurred.

• The number of female trees planted should not exceed the number of males.

• Wherever possible, cuttings should be taken from mature trees and planted nearby to ensure the continuation of that clone.

If you want to buy one, beware! It is not uncommon for hybrid poplars to be sold as native trees. Your county or district council should be able to suggest a reliable source. When you plant a new tree, please let us know. Send a map showing the planting site and details of where the tree came from to the county contact named below.

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POPLAR LEAVES

Left – Hybrid Poplar (Populus x serotina)

Right – Black or Water Poplar (Populus nigra)

Other Salicaceae at Hackney Marshes

Poplars are members of a group of trees that also include the Sallows and Willows. The group is particularly characteristic of wetlands, often being found by ponds, rivers and streams. The following species are present at Hackney Marsh:

Populus alba – White Poplar Populus x canescens – Grey Poplar Populus nigra var. betulifolia – Black or Water Poplar Populus nigra var. italica – Lombardy Poplar Populus x serotina – Hybrid Poplar Populs tremula – Aspen Populus trichocarpa – Balsam Poplar Salix alba – White Willow Salix caprea – Goat Willow Salix fragilis – Crack Willow Salix purpurea – Purple Willow Salix x reichardtii – Reichardt’s Sallow Salix x sepulcralis ‘Chrysocoma’ – Weeping Willow (probable) Salix viminalis - Osier

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In addition to these fourteen taxa, there are old records c.1800 of Salix triandra (Almond Willow). Some of the species may occur as more than one taxon. One example is the Black Poplar, which also occurs in its fastigiate form ‘italica’ the Lombardy Poplar. The Hybrid Poplar (P x serotina) also occurs as more than one taxon – var. serotina and var. marilandica appear to be present. Crack Willow possibly occurs in more than one form. Lastly an as yet unidentified weeping poplar appears to be present as a handful of trees on East Marsh. It may be Simon’s Poplar (P. simonii) or P x acuminata, which both have a weeping habit and both are rare in cultivation in the U.K.

Poplars, Sallows and Willows as an Invertebrate Habitat

The concentration of representatives of the Salicaceae at Hackney Marsh indicates that there should be a well represented associated invertebrate fauna. In the future, it could be useful to commisson a survey of this group. A list of larger moth species that potentially could be found here includes:

Poplar Grey Moth (Acronicta megacephala) Poplar Poplar Hawk Moth (Laothoe populi) Poplar, Aspen, Sallow Eyed Hawk Moth (Smerinthus ocellata) Sallow, Poplar Poplar Kitten (Furcula bifida) Poplar, Aspen Sallow Kitten (Furcula furcula) Sallow, Aspen Pebble Prominent (Notodonta ziczac) Poplar, Aspen, Sallow Pale Prominent (Pterostoma palpina) Willow, Sallow, Aspen Swallow Prominent (Pheosia tremula) Aspen, Poplar, Sallow Puss Moth (Cerura vinula) Sallow, Willow, Poplar Chocolate Tip (Clostera curtula) Aspen, Poplar Buff Tip (Phalera bucephala) Sallow Hornet Moth (Sesia apiformis) Black and Grey Poplar Lunar Hornet Moth (Sesia bembeciformis) Sallow, Willow Red-tipped Clearwing (Synanthedon formicaeformis) Osier

Most of the larvae of these species feed on the leaves of the relevant tree, but the Hornet Moth larvae actually mine the trunks of the trees. There are few actual sight records of the adult moths and most records are made from the exit holes the larvae make when they are mature and ready to leave the host tree. I looked for the exit holes of the Hornet Clearwing at Hackney Marsh, usually found on the lower trunk of Black and Grey Poplars, but was unable to locate any. However, I suspect that it would occur there and would be found by a specialist in this group.

The dead-wood associates of poplars and willows would also be rewarding to survey. A rare longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) Aromia moschata, the Musk Beetle, is known from willows elsewhere in the Lea Valley and could well occur here. What did occur on our survey, however, were four species of rare saproxylic flies associated with dead or decaying salicaceae wood. These included the nationally notable Solva marginata, the Red Data Book 2 Myennis octopunctata, the nationally notable Lonchaea palposa and the scarce crane-fly Gnophomyia viridipennis, which seems to be particularly associated with Black Poplar.

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 23

Other Tree and Shrub Species

As with the previous list of poplars, sallows and willows, the following list of trees and shrubs are almost all certainly introduced or planted to the Hackney Marshes site. There has been a long history of such plantings at the marshes. For well over a hundred years, beginning with the London County Council plantings of c.1894 to the mid 1990s and post 2000 of sites such as Wick Woodland (planted c.1995) and North, Jubilee, Friends, Swan, Yew, Depot, Kingfisher and East Woods planted c.2000 onwards on the periphery of the playing field area.

The early plantings on the bank of the old River Lea between the Parks Depot area and Friends Bridge now contains some sizeable specimen trees – I counted at least 100 good specimen trees here of a variety of species. Interestingly they occur in variably managed form as per the list (C = Coppiced, P = Pollarded, S = Standard):

Crack Willow (Salix fragilis) C9, P1 Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) P6, S9 Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) S6 Black Poplar (Populus nigra) P13, S5, C5 (minimum) Lime (Tilia x europaea) S2 Weeping Willow (believed Salix x sepulcralis var. chrysocoma) P4 Hybrid Poplar (Populus x serotina) S5, P3 Lombardy Poplar (Populus nigra f. italica) S1 Plane (Platanus x hispanica) S11, P16 Robinia (Robinia pseudo-acacia) S1 Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum) C1 Box Elder (Acer negundo) S1 Lime (Tilia mongolica? – moribund) C1 Narrow-leaved Ash (Fraxinus angustifolia) S1 Field Maple (Acer campestre) S1

Coppice Stools 16} Pollards 43} As at 16 June 2004 Standards 41}

Some of these trees have now reached good girth size:

Ash Standard TQ 37248 2.56m 8ft 5ins @1.5m 85605

Weeping Willow Pollard TQ 37118 2.82m 9ft 3ins @1.5m 85713

Crack Willow Pollard TQ 36966 3.35m 11ft @1.5m 86014

Black Poplar Pollard TQ 37029 4.27m 14ft @1.5m 86054

Plane Pollard TQ 36930 3.50m 11ft 6ins @1.5m 86402

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 24

Wick Field has good numbers of Mature Plane by the Lee Navigation and Ash pollards and Black Poplars adjacent to Homerton Road. The north side of Homerton Road also has further Black Poplars (twelve in all on either side of the road) and several Balsam Poplars. Ruckholt Road has over 20 mature Ash trees, whilst Mabley Green has over fifty Plane tree pollards. Thus, there are well over 200 good mature specimen trees in the Hackney Marsh area, well over a hundred of which are pollard trees, for Hackney a very notable aggregation of good trees.

A good range of native trees and shrubs have been recently planted, including Ash, Oak, Field Maple and Yew. Less frequently found plantings include Black (Water) Poplar, Wild Service and Small-leaved Lime. Some common shrubs have been planted, such as Common Hawthorn and Hazel. Less usual plantings include Alder Buckthorn and Guelder Rose. Perhaps the most interesting ‘shrub’ (it is actually a rhizomatous herbaceous plant) to be found is Danewort, found in Wick Woodland and near the Dip. This species is exceptionally rare in the London area.

References

Kent, D.H. (1975) The Historical Flora of Middlesex. Ray Society.

Mabey, R. (1998) Flora Britannica. Chatto & Windus.

Miller, P. (1807) The Gardener’s and Botanist’s Dictionary. Law & Gilbert, London.

BRYOPHYTES OF HACKNEY MARSHES

Bryophytes consist of two major groups - Mosses and Liverworts. None of the latter were recorded and will not be discussed further.

Mosses occur on various substrates, many of the common species being generalists growing on a range of surfaces. The more specialised tend to grow on particular substrates such as trees, rock or soil.

Many mosses are adversely affected by high levels of Sulphur Dioxide in the atmosphere and have decreased since the 18th Century. However, in recent years - following the decrease in SO2 levels - many susceptible species are responding and starting to recover their former range. Many of these species are epiphytes and although the spread into London is comparatively slow, a few were found in the survey, particularly on willows (Salix spp.) alongside the River Lea. These will be discussed in more detail later.

The habitats recorded at Hackney Marsh are rather typical for urban areas. They can be divided into the following headings.

1. Hard surfaces - brickwork, concrete and tarmac

Many of the most common and pollution-tolerant species occur on these substrates. They are often drought resistant and occur in very hostile conditions. They include Tortula muralis, Bryum argenteum, B. capillare, Grimmia pulvinata and Orthotrichum diaphanum. As may be expected these occurred frequently. Some less common species were also found - such as Syntrichia ruralis - on a tarmac path. A gravel car park at Hackney Marsh harboured Pseudocrossidium hornschuchianum, Bryum gemmiferum and Brachythecium albicans. Although not uncommon, the are more restricted in their habitat preferences.

2. Terrestrial - Soil and grassland

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The grassland at both sites was particularly poor for bryophytes, although not unexpected. The grassland is well-drained mown amenity turf, or rank grassland being left long for environmental purposes. Both types are unsuitable for bryophytes.

Bare soil harboured common species such as Barbula unguiculata, Eurhynchium praelongum, Funaria hygrometrica and Fissidens taxifolius. Anthills at Hackney Marsh had Bryum argenteum, B. rubens and Tortula acaulon, all common species. However, Hennediella macrophylla by the River Lea is of interest (see below).

3. Trees and wood

The richest moss flora occurs on large willows alongside the River Lea at Hackney Marsh. These have been allowed to grow large horizontal branches that spread over the river that are immersed occasionally. This and the sheltered position have enabled some pollution-sensitive species to colonise.

The following list of species, several of which are noteworthy, were found on these willows. Those of interest are marked with * and will be discussed below.

Amblystegium serpens Brachythecium rutabulum Bryum bicolor B. capillare Cryphaea heteromalla* Grimmia pulvinata Homalothecium sericeum Hypnum cupressiforme H. resupinatum Leptodictyum riparium Leskea polycarpa* Orthotrichum affine* O. diaphanum O. tenellum* Rhynchostegium confertum Syntrichia intermedia S. latifolia* S. ruralis Tortula muralis

Other trees tended to be too exposed and dry for moss growth.

Noteworthy species

Cryphaea heteromalla

This species declined markedly during the twentieth century in SE England. For example it was almost extinct in Essex by the 1970’s. However, in the last 15 years this species, in common with some other epiphytes, has started to return to its former range. As it produces sporophytes regularly, it is able to spread relatively quickly to new sites. Most recent records are from Willows and Elders. Several patches were seen on willows by the R. Lea by Hackney Marsh and it is likely to increase at this site.

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 26

Hennediella macrophylla

This is a probable introduction from the Southern Hemisphere that has been spreading slowly in England. It is often found along water courses, particularly on compacted soil of runs. In the London area it is now relatively frequent. It was found in some quantity by the R. Lea at Hackney Marsh. It is of interest as the rather pedestrian spread of this species is being monitored closely.

Leskea polycarpa

This species is of local occurrence in SE England. Most commonly found as an epiphyte by water courses, it is rather susceptible to pollution. Surprisingly it was rather frequent on the willows along the R. Lea. Orthotrichum affine

The epiphytic mosses of this genus are all rather susceptible to pollution (with the exception of O. diaphanum). This species is the most tolerant and has increased rapidly in the last few years. It was found to be frequent on the willows by the R. Lea.

Orthotrichum tenellum

This was a most interesting find. Although increasing due to lower SO2 levels, it is still very uncommon in SE England. It has not been recorded from Middlesex (VC21) prior to this survey. A few tufts were found on a willow by the R. Lea.

Syntrichia latifolia

Although not uncommon, it is of interest to note that healthy colonies were growing in the flood zone at the bases of willows, as well as on the higher branches, by the R. Lea.

Conclusions

The willows by the R.Lea are very interesting and it is probable that other pollution- sensitive epiphytes will colonise in the near future. The rest of the site was rather poor, but this was not unexpected. Any future management plan should acknowledge the importance of the riverside willows. Allowing the trees to reach maturity and the branches to spread over the water should continue. Other species that are particularly favoured by epiphytes, such as Ash and Elder, should be encouraged to develop along the river. All these species are favourable for other groups such as fungi and invertebrates.

In comparison to some other large sites in the London area, it is rather poor. However, this is mainly due to the lack of habitat diversity. If the River Lea was not adjacent to the site, there would be very little of bryological interest.

Species lists

The site was surveyed on 15th May 2004

Hackney Marshes

Bryophytes

Amblystegium serpens(Hedw.) Bruch,Schimp. & W. Guembel var. serpens Barbula convoluta Hedw. B. unguiculata Hedw.

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 27

Brachythecium albicans(Hedw.) Bruch,Schimp. & W. Guembel B. rutabulum(Hedw.) Bruch,Schimp. & W. Guembel Bryum argenteum Hedw. B. bicolor Dicks. B. capillare Hedw. B. gemmiferum R.Wilczek & Demaret B. rubens Mitt. Ceratodon purpureus(Hedw.) Brid. Cryphaea heteromalla(Hedw.) D. Mohr Eurhynchium praelongum(Hedw.) Bruch,Schimp. & W. Guembel Funaria hygrometrica Hedw. Grimmia pulvinata(Hedw.) Sm. var. pulvinata Hennediella macrophylla(R.Br.ter.) Paris Homalothecium sericeum(Hedw.) Bruch,Schimp. & W. Guembel Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. H. resupinatum Taylor Leptodictyum riparium(Hedw.) Warnst. Leskea polycarpa Hedw. Orthotrichum affine Brid. O. anomalum Brid. O. diaphanum Brid. O. tenellum Bruch ex Brid. Pseudocrossidium hornschuchianum(Schultz) R.H.Zander Rhynchostegium confertum(Dicks.) Bruch,Schimp. & W. Guembel Schistidium crassipilum H.H.Blom Syntrichia intermedia Brid. S. latifolia(Bruch ex Hartm.) Huebener S. ruralis(Hedw.) F.Weber & D.Mohr Tortula acaulon(With.) R.H.Zander var. acaulon T. muralis Hedw. var. muralis

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 28

Lichens of Hackney Marshes

Hackney Marsh is an area of playing fields, about 1 square kilometre in extent in East London towards the southern end of the Lea Valley. It is bordered on the north-east by the River Lea, to the south-west by the Lee Navigation Canal and to the south by the A106 road. The main area consists of playing fields on ground built-up well above the original marsh level after the Second World War. There are many planted roadside trees, particularly poplars of various species (Grey Poplar, P. x canescens, Black Poplar, P. nigra and Balsam Popolar, P. trichocarpa) as well as Ash and Sycamore. There are some large willows beside the river and occasional elders.

The amelioration of sulphur dioxide pollution in London (and generally in England) has resulted in a situation where the pollution-resistant lichen flora of the past is mixed with incoming pollution-sensitive species whose presence would have been considered extraordinary only fifteen years ago. Examples of such species are Candelaria concolor and Flavoparmelia caperata, both well recorded as spreading rapidly in London and both found on Hackney Marsh. The effects of this mixing of species and the fast rate of change, mean that it is very difficult to pick-out meaningful lichen communities.

Sites Examined

The area was visited on 5 June 2004. Specific areas examined were:

Site No* Grid Reference Description

1 TQ 370 856 Scattered trees on the fields near Hackney Parks Depot and changing rooms; mainly Balsam Poplar

2 TQ 367 855 Black Poplars and Balsam Poplars immediately north of the B112 road

3 TQ 366 855 A mature Grey Poplar near the Lee Navigation canal

4 TQ 369 854 Wick Woodland; a sheltered area south of the B112 road with young and mature Ash trees and Poplars

5 TQ 372 855 Bird Cherry at entrance to Council Depot

6 TQ 374 856 Row of Ash trees beside the A106 road, at the south east boundary of the East Marsh

7 TQ 372 856 Willows on the south side of the River Lea near the Council Depot

8 TQ 369 858 Concrete bridge of the River Lea

The northern section of the Marsh was not visited.

*Note: these numbers do not coincide with those used in the main body of the text

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 29

Lichens on trees

The main factor influencing the lichen flora of this area is nutrient enrichment. Trees receive nutrients from airborne dust, bird droppings and dog urine, possibly also from fertilisers. The lichen flora of exposed trees is characterised by conspicuous growth of the orange lichen Xanthoria parietina which is a common species of farm buildings and wayside trees. This is accompanied by other common species of nutrient- enriched habitats, such as Phaeophyscia orbicularis, Physcia adscendens, P. tenella and Amandinea punctata. Slightly less common here are Candelaria concolor, Xanthoria candelaria and Physcia caesia. At the bases of many trees can be found the crustose lichens Lecanora dispersa, Rinodina gennarii and Candelariella vitellina, the first two being best known as typical species of concrete. Some older trees near the main road have a dry blackened bark, possibly due in part to exhaust fumes and many years exposure to polluted air, which does not support much lichen growth.

In more sheltered situations where the effects of nutrient enrichment are not so obviously dominant, a more interesting lichen flora shows signs of developing. A mature standard Ash in the Wick Woodland bore Parmelia sulcata (the commonest Parmelia in Essex and surprisingly rare at Hackney Marsh) and a tiny thallus of the shrubby Ramalina farinacea. A sheltered Bird Cherry (Prunus padus) bore Flavoparmelia caperata, a fast-spreading pollution-sensitive species, in addition to the more usual species of the site. However, in general, most trees are dominated by Xanthoria parietina and the common Physcia species.

An interesting observation in the Wick Woodland was the presence of the crustose lichens Lecanora chlarotera and Lecania cyrtella on young branches of Ash. These are both species which it would have been surprising to find in this area a few years ago and it will be interesting to see how the lichen flora of these trees develops.

Crack Willows (Salix fragilis) beside the River Lea were again dominated by Xanthoria parietina and Phaeophyscia orbicularis, but two interesting species seen were Bacidia neosquamulosa and Ramonia luteola. The former was only described as new to science in 1999. It has been found several times in Essex and is common at Dagenham Chase on sheltered branches. It was fertile here at Hackney Marsh and was also found on a Grey Poplar near the canal. The latter species is a very inconspicuous lichen of sheltered spongy bark. It is widespread, but it is difficult to say how common it is, because it is so difficult to find. It has been found a couple of times previously in Essex.

Lichens on lignum (bare wood)

There are a number of wooden benches, rather decrepit picnic tables and some wooden fencing that bear lichens. These are mainly typical species of any nutrient-enriched substratum, namely Phaeophyscia orbicularis, Amandinea punctata, Rinodina gennarii, Candelariella vitellina and Lecanora muralis. Lecanora symmicta, a typical species of lignum and of twigs, was seen on picnic tables. The well-known pollution-tolerant Lecanora conizaeoides was seen growing abundantly on wooden fence rails.

Lichens on concrete

Only the commonest species were seen on concrete; Xanthoria parietina, Phaeophyscia orbicularis, Lecanora dispersa, L. muralis, and Lecidella stigmatea. All are common wherever there is concrete.

Importance and conservation

It could not be argued that the lichen flora of Hackney Marsh is of great significance, but it is still of interest because it is changing. Many trees are too exposed to carry anything other than the common Xanthoria dominated flora mentioned above. But wherever there are more sheltered trees, there are signs that a richer flora may be developing. The lichen flora of trees is always best on trees that are sheltered,

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 30 well illuminated and humid and this could be borne in mind in any future management plan. It will certainly be fascinating to see how the flora develops in the next ten years.

In the list of species that follows, nomenclature follows Coppins (2002). The site numbers are given in parenthesis.

Amandinea punctata Abundant on hardwood bench by canal (near 3); rare on large standard Ash tree in Wick Woodland (4); common on Bird Cherry at Depot entrance (5). A common species of nutrient-enriched bark and wood.

Bacidia neosquamulosa On boughs of large Grey Poplar by canal (3); frequent on bough of Crack Willow beside River Lea (7); fertile on both trees. A recently-described species.

Candelaria concolor Rare on Balsam Poplar by main car park (1); one thallus, 10mm diameter, on bough of large Grey Poplar by canal (3). A pollution-sensitive lichen of nutrient- enriched habitats which is increasing rapidly in the London area.

Candelariella reflexa Near base of standard Ash trees by SE side of East Marsh (6); very common on standard Ash trees by long jump pit, East Marsh (near 8). A lichen that is usually most abundant on branches used as bird perches.

Candelariella vitellina On wooden benches by road and by canal (near 3, near 8); occasional on Bird Cherry at Depot entrance (5); rare on standard Ash trees by SE side of East Marsh (6); on wood of picnic table (near 8). A common lichen.

Diploicia canescens One thallus facing away from road on standard Ash tree by SE side of East Marsh (6). Uncommon in such urban situations.

Flavoparmelia caperata One thallus on west facing side of Bird Cherry at Depot entrance (5). A conspicuous pollution-sensitive species that is spreading rapidly.

Lecania cyrtella Occasional on young Ash trees in the Wick Woodland (4).

Lecanora chlarotera Occasional on young Ash trees in the

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 31

Wick Woodland (4). A species of smooth bark with some nutrient enrichment.

Lecanora conizaeoides On wood of picnic table and wooden gate, East Marsh (near 8). A highly pollution-tolerant lichen that is declining steadily in abundance in London and Essex. The Hackney Marsh material appears quite healthy.

Lecanora dispersa Common at base of poplars near main car park (1); at base of Balsam poplars and Black Poplars by road (2); at base of standard Ash trees by SE side of East Marsh (6); on concrete bridge, East Marsh (8). Best known as a common lichen of concrete and mortar.

Lecanora muralis Occasional on hardwood bench by canal (near 3); on concrete bridge, East Marsh (8). A common urban lichen.

Lecanora symmicta On wood of picnic table (near 8). A Lichen of twigs and lignum, increasing steadily in abundance.

Lecidella stigmatea On concrete bridge, East Marsh (8). An extremely common lichen of concrete.

Melanelia (Parmelia) glabratula One tiny thallus on recently felled branch of Ash by SE side of East Marsh (6).

Parmelia sulcata Present, but in poor condition, on large standard Ash tree in Wick Woodland (4); one thallus on standard Ash tree by SE side of East March (6); on standard Ash by long jump pit, East Marsh (near 8). The most common Parmelia species in London and Essex, surprisingly uncommon here.

Phaeophyscia orbicularis Common on Acer, Ash and poplars near main car park (1); on Balsam Poplars and Black Poplars near road (2) on wooden bench by road (near 2); very common on boughs of large Grey Poplar by canal (3) on Ash by canal (near 3); at

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 32

base of large standard Ash tree in Wick Woodland (4); on Bird Cherry at Depot entrance (5); on standard Ash trees by SE side of East Marsh (6); very common on bough of Crack Willow beside River Lea (7); on Elder beside River Lea (near 7); on wood of picnic table (near 8); on concrete bridge, East Marsh (8); abundant on standard Ash by long jump pit, East Marsh (near 8). An abundant lichen of nutrient-washed surfaces.

Physcia adscendens Occasional on Balsam Poplar by main car park (1); on boughs of large Grey Poplar by canal (3); occasional on large standard Ash tree in Wick Woodland (4); on bough of Crack Willow beside River Lea (7); on Elder beside River Lea (near 7). A common lichen, usually on bark.

Physcia caesia On branches of Ash by canal (near 3). A very common lichen, usually found on concrete and rocks.

Physcia tenella Common on Acer, Ash and poplars near main car park (1); rare on Balsam Poplars by road (2); on boughs of large Grey Poplar by canal (3); common on Ash by canal (near 3); on Bird Cherry at Depot entrance (5); on standard Ash trees by SE side of East Marsh (6); abundant on standard Ash by long jump pit, East Marsh (near 8). A very common lichen.

Ramalina farinacea One thallus, 8mm, on large standard Ash tree in Wick Woodland (4); one thallus, 5mm, on standard Ash by long jump pit, East Marsh (near 8). A pollution- sensitive lichen.

Ramonia interjecta On bough of Crack Willow beside River Lea (7). An uncommon and Inconspicuous lichen.

Rinodina gennarii On Balsam Poplars and Black Poplars near road (2); on wooden bench by road (near 2); at base of large standard Ash tree in Wick Woodland (4); at base of standard Ash trees by SE side of East Marsh (6). Typically a lichen of concrete and mortar.

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 33

Xanthoria candelaria s.str. On Bird Cherry at Depot entrance (5); on standard Ash by long jump pit, East Marsh (8). A species of nutrient-enriched surfaces. This is a species aggregate, but all examples seen were true X. candelaria.

Xanthoria parietina Common on Acer, Ash and poplars near main car park (1); on Black Poplars near road (2); very common on boughs of large Grey Poplar by canal (3); on Ash by canal (near 3); rare on large standard Ash tree in Wick Woodland (4); on Bird Cherry at Depot entrance (5); on standard Ash trees by SE side of East Marsh (6); very common on bough of Crack Willow beside River Lea (7); on Elder beside River Lea (near 7); on concrete bridge, East Marsh (near 8); abundant on standard Ash by long jump pit, East Marsh (near 8). A common lichen.

Xanthoria polycarpa Common on Acer, Ash and poplars near main car park (1); very common on boughs of large Grey Poplar by canal (3); on branches of Ash by canal (near 3); on Bird Cherry at Depot entrance (5); on recently felled branches of Ash by SE side of East Marsh (6). A pollution- sensitive lichen that is spreading extremely rapidly.

Reference

Coppins, B.J. (2000). Checklist of the lichens of Great Britain and Ireland. British Lichen Society.

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 34

DIPTERA ON HACKNEY MARSHES

Six visits were made to the site between the 22nd April and 8th September 2004. Collections were undertaken primarily by sweep net but also by individual tubing from logs and trunks. During visits we tended to concentrate on specific areas not attempting full coverage on each visit. Special attention was paid to the flower rich sites (areas 6 and 21) and the wooded river-side areas adjacent to the old River Lea. (areas 1,2 and 3).

A total of 114 species were recorded during the period of the survey. As expected many of the species recorded are widespread and common, but some remarkable finds were made, probably the rarest insect discovered was Phora hamata, a single male of this species was captured along the shady bank of the Canal on 13th May. This is only the second British record of this species, it previously having been recorded from Chippenham Fen in Cambridgeshire in 1980. Chippenham Fen is a noted nature reserve and a Grade 1 Site of Special Scientific Interest. (Disney 1981) nothing is known of its habitat requirements but a closely related species, Phora holosericea, has been found preying on root aphids 20-40 cms below the soil surface.

The other rare species fell into two obvious groups the first dependant on dead wood, especially Poplar and the second on the flower rich disturbed ground site (area 21).

Dead wood species (Saproxylic)

Gnophomyia viridipennis (Notable), Solva marginata (Notable), Lonchaea palposa (Notable) and Myennis octopunctata (RDB2) are all rare species associated with dead wood, Poplars in particular.

Gnophomyia is a Crane Fly sporadically recorded in fens and carr, mainly from southern England, especially on the outskirts of London. The larvae develop in the fibrous layer beneath the bark in recently fallen trees with a preference for Poplars, especially Populus nigra.

Solva is essentially a species of southern broadleaved woodland, again the larvae develop beneath the bark of fallen trees, a wide range of trees are recorded but Poplars are favoured.

Myennis is by far the rarest of the four, there are very few British records. In the past fifty years it has been recorded from Kent in 1964 (Allen, 1967) & from in 1990 (R.K.A Morris 1991) where it seems to have been established on White Poplars and most recently from in 1992. So this current record is significant. The larvae live beneath the bark of dead trees again with a preference for poplars.

Lonchaea palposa is a small shiny blue black fly with scattered records from southern England, it breeds beneath the bark of deciduous trees favouring Poplars.

As well as these rare species Lonchaea fugax is recorded breeding on Poplar, the three additional species of Lonchaeidae are also dependent on dead wood. The common Hoverfly, Myathropa, breeds in rot holes or water filled cavities in trees.

Flower rich disturbed ground site (area 21) and meadow site (area 6).

These two areas proved to be particularly productive for both diptera and hymenoptera turning up species not found elsewhere in the survey area. Three species of the family Tachinidae are particularly rare.

Catharosia pygmaea is usually found at flowers particularly umbels. It was first recorded from Britain in 1996 (Falk, 1998) and subsequently from several Essex Thameside sites. It is currently a very rare species

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 35 but it may well be increasing. Tachinid flies are parasitic and Catharosia is no exception being parasitic on Lygaeid bugs.

Catharosia pygmaea (photograph copyright P.R. Harvey)

Cistogaster globosa is a very closely related species it is also rare, although there is some evidence that it is increasing, along with its host. It too is parasitic on bugs, specifically the shieldbug Aelia acuminata which is abundant in the area. Cistogaster is often taken on flowers.

Cistogaster globosa (photograph copyright P.R. Harvey)

Litophasia hyalipennis (RDB1) was first recorded in 1887 from Sussex (Belshaw 1993), and was believed to be extinct until rediscovered at Northfleet in Kent in 1987 (Clemons 1992). It is listed in the Red Data Book, (Falk 1991) as an Appendix species. In 1996 the species was recorded at Chafford Hundred in south

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 36

Essex (O’Toole & Ismay 1997) and Peter Harvey has collected it at further south Essex locations at Aveley Bay and in the nearby Ingrebourne Valley.

References

Allen, A.A. 1967. Myennis octopunctata Coq. (Dipt .,Otitidae) and other notable in suburban Kent. Ent. Mon. Mag. 103:34-35.

Belshaw, R. 1993 Tachinid Flies Diptera: Tachinidae. Handbooks for the Identification of British Insects. RES, London.

Clemons, L. 1992 Litophasia hyalipennis (Fallen) (Diptera: Tachinidae) in North Kent. Entomologist's Record and Journal of Variation 104: 201-202.

Disney, H. 1981 A Scuttle Fly (Dipt., Phoridae) New To Britain. Ent. Mon. Mag.117:178.

Falk, S. 1991 A review of the scarce and threatened flies of Great Britain (part1). Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, number 39. NCC.

Falk, S. 1998. Catharosia pygmaea (Fallen) (Diptera:Tachinidae) New To Britain. Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 11:1-5

Morris, R.K.A. 1991. Myennis octopunctata Coq. (Dipt .,Otitidae), a modern record. Br. J. Ent. Nat. Hist. 4:95-6

O'Toole, C. & Ismay, J. 1997. Report on the aculeate Hymenoptera and Diptera recorded from Chafford Hundred, Essex in July 1996 and May 1997. Penny Anderson Associates.

Plant, C.W. & Smith, D. 1997. Clytiomyia continua (Diptera:Tachinidae) confirmed as a British species. Dipterists Digest (Second Series) 4: 22-3.

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 37

Diptera list

TIPULIDAE Episyrphus balteatus (De Geer) Nephrotoma appendiculata (Pierre) Eristalinus sepulchralis (Linnaeus) Nephrotoma quadrifaria (Meigen) Eristalis arbustorum (Linnaeus) LIMONIIDAE Eristalis intricarius (Linnaeus) Symplecta stictica (Meigen) Eristalis pertinax (Scopoli) Gnophomyia viridipennis (Gimmerthal) Notable Eupeodes luniger (Meigen) BIBIONIDAE Meliscaeva auricollis (Meigen) Bibio marci (Linnaeus) Merodon equestris (Fabricius) MYCETOPHILIDAE Myathropa florea (Linnaeus) Leia bimaculata (Meigen) Paragus haemorrhous Meigen XYLOMYIDAE Pipizella viduata (Linnaeus) Solva marginata (Meigen) Notable Platycheirus tarsalis (Schummel) STRATIOMYIIDAE Sphaerophoria scripta (Linnaeus) Beris chalybeata (Forster) Syritta pipiens (Linnaeus) Chloromyia formosa (Scopoli) Syrphus ribesii (Linnaeus) Microchrysa polita (Linnaeus) Syrphus vitripennis Meigen Pachygaster atra (Panzer) Volucella pellucens (Linnaeus) Pachygaster leachii Stephens in Curtis Volucella zonaria (Poda) THEREVIDAE Xanthogramma pedissequum (Harris) Thereva nobilitata (Fabricius) Xylota segnis (Linnaeus) ASILIDAE MICROPEZIDAE Leptogaster cylindrica (Hendel) Neria cibaria (Linnaeus) HYBOTIDAE LONCHAEIDAE Bicellaria vana Collin Lonchaea contraria Czerny Platypalpus agilis (Meigen) Lonchaea fugax Becker Tachypeza nubila (Meigen) Lonchaea palposa Zetterstedt Notable EMPIDIDAE Lonchaea sylvatica Beling Empis caudatula Loew Setisquamalonchaea fumosa (Egger) Empis chioptera Meigen Empis scutellata Curtis Myennis octopunctata (Coquebert) RDB 2 Hilara lurida (Fallen) TEPHRITIDAE Pachymeria femorata Fabricius Campiglossa misella (Loew) DOLICHOPODIDAE Tephritis formosa (Loew) Hercostomus metallicus (Stannius) Tephritis neesii (Meigen) Sympycnus desoutteri Parent Terellia serratulae (Linnaeus) PHORIDAE Terellia tussilaginis (Fabricius) Phora hamata Schmitz Urophora quadrifasciata (Meigen) SYRPHIDAE Urophora stylata (Fabricius) Cheilosia pagana (Meigen) LAUXANIIDAE Cheilosia vernalis (Fallen) Calliopum aeneum (Fallen) Epistrophe eligans (Harris)

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 38

Meiosimyza platycephala (Loew) MUSCIDAE Meiosimyza subfasciata (Zetterstedt) Coenosia testacea (Robineau-Desvoidy) Minettia plumicornis (Fallen) Graphomya maculata (Scopoli) Minettia rivosa (Meigen) Helina impuncta (Fallen) Sapromyza quadripunctata (Linnaeus) Helina lasiopthalma (Macquart) CHAMAEMYIIDAE Helina reversio (Harris) Chamaemyia aridella (Fallen) Muscina stabulens (Fallen) Chamaemyia herbarum (Robineau-Desvoidy) Phaonia subventa (Harris) SCIOMYZIDAE CALLIPHORIDAE Coremacera marginata (Fabricius) Calliphora vicina Robineau-Desvoidy AGROMYZIDAE Lucilia caesar (Linnaeus) Napomyza lateralis (Hendel) Lucilia sericata (Meigen) Ophiomyia cunctata (Fallen) RHINOPHORIDAE CHLOROPIDAE Rhinophora lepida (Meigen) Elachiptera tuberculifera (Corti) SARCOPHAGIDAE Meromyza zachvatkini Fedoseeva Blaesoxipha plumicornis (Zetterstedt) Thaumatomyia hallandica Andersson Sarcophaga crassimargo Pandelle Thaumatomyia notata (Meigen) Sarcophaga filia Rondani Tricimba cincta (Meigen) Sarcophaga incisilobata Pandelle SPHAEROCERIDAE Sarcophaga nigriventris Meigen Gonioneura spinipennis Haliday Sarcophaga variegata (Scopoli) Ischiolepta pusilla (Fallen) TACHINIDAE Opalimosina mirabilis (Collin) Actia lamia (Meigen) Pullimosina heteroneura (Haliday) Catharosia pygmaea (Fallen) DROSOPHILIDAE Cistogaster globosa (Panzer) Scaptomyza pallida (Zetterstedt) Dinera grisescens (Fallen) EPHYDRIDAE Dufouria chalybeata (Meigen) Ditrichophora calceata (Meigen) Eriothrix rufomaculata (De Geer) SCATHOPHAGIDAE Litophasia hyalipennis Fallen Nanna fasciata (Meigen) Phania funesta (Meigen) Norellisoma spinimanum (Fallen) Phasia pusilla Meigen FANNIIDAE Solieria pacifica (Meigen) Fannia armata (Meigen) Tachina fera (Linnaeus) Fannia lustrator (Harris) Fannia serena (Fallen)

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 39

OTHER MAJOR INVERTEBRATE GROUPS

Invertebrates were recorded from various locations on Hackney Marshes during visits. As well as Diptera dealt with separately in the last section, survey concentrated on the major groups of Arachnida (spiders, harvestment and pseudoscorpions), Coleoptera (beetles), Hemiptera and Homoptera (bugs and planthoppers), Myriapoda (millipedes and centipedes), as well as smaller groups such as Isopoda (woodlice), Orthoptera (grasshoppers and crickets) and butterflies.

The most striking result from the survey is the enormous diversity and numbers of nationally rare and scarce species associated with the ‘wasteground’ area 21, both the eastern section by Ruckholt Road in vice-county 18 and the smaller western section in vice-county 21. The diversity is demonstrated by reference to the summary table below, where the astonishing richness of Area 21 is clearly evident:

Hackney Marsh location No. spp. East Marsh 7 Areas 6 & 7 (North Meadow and NUFU wood) 52 shady bank, path & river edge, River Lee 69 Area 21 (wasteground, east and west) 204 wasteground east, Ruckholt Road 168 wasteground west 81 Various or unlocalised 87

If the areas are compared for their species of conservation significance, a similar picture is obtained.

Conservation status various East Marsh Areas 6 & 7 (North Meadow and NUFU wood) shadypath bank, & riverRiver edge, Lee Area 21 (wasteground, east and west) Road) Ruckholt east, (wasteground 21 Area west) (wasteground 21 Area RDB 104164 6 Nationally Scarce (Notable) 5 0 6 2 17 16 6 Local 10 0 15 7 38 32 14 Unknown 513986 4 Common 65 8 24 51 131 106 49

Total no. spp. 87 7 52 69 204 168 81

A complete list of species and their locations is summarised in at the end of this section.

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 40

Many species of national and regional significance were recorded, including the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP) bumblebee Bombus humilis (Brown-banded Carder Bee) foraging in some numbers in Area 21, as well in smaller numbers in Areas 6 and 7. The needs of this species need to be addressed in both the management of the area and in the future use of the different areas of Hackney Marshes. It is a bumblebee with requirements for extensive areas of tall flower-rich grassland, both for foraging and nesting. Mowing and the planting of trees into suitable habitat are both extremely damaging to its requirements and a major priority should be not only to manage the ‘wasteground’ adequately for its requirements, but also to increase suitable areas elsewhere on the Marshes. Notes on species of conservation significance are provided below:

Arachnida, Agelenidae, Textrix denticulata Essex Red Data species, Essex Endangered

The first Essex record of the spider Textrix denticulata the since the 1930s (Hull 1935) was made by P.R. Harvey at Temple Mills Marshalling Yard in 1999 (Harvey 1999) and this remained the only Essex record until it was found during this survey at the southern end of East Marsh. Whilst widespread in western and northern Britain the species is very rare in the south-east, where it appears to be restricted to stony habitats in a handful of localities.

Arachnida, Araneidae, Argiope bruennichi Nationally Scarce (Notable/Na)

The spider was first recorded in Britain in 1922 at Rye, East Sussex (Locket & Millidge 1951) and for many years, seemed to be restricted to a few areas close to the south coast in Sussex, Kent, Hampshire and Dorset. Since the 1970s, evidence suggests that the spider has been increasing its range, probably due to longer warmer summers and autumns. Although now widely recorded as far north as Derbyshire and Leicestershire (Harvey et al. 2002, Harvey 2004), the species currently still warrants Nationally Scarce status.

Argiope bruennichi (photograph copyright P.R. Harvey)

Arachnida, Lycosidae, Pardosa agrestis Nationally Scarce (Notable/Nb)

This wolf spider is more or less restricted to the southern half of Britain (Harvey et al. 2002) and occurs in open habitats with a good proportion of bare ground, such as some grasslands and old sand and chalk pits, as well as post-industrial habitats.

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 41

Arachnida, Zodariidae, Zodarion italicum pNationally Scarce A

The centre of distribution in Britain is the East Thames Corridor in south Essex and north Kent (Harvey et al. 2002). The species is recorded from only 16 ten-kilometre squares in Britain, and many of its habitats are threatened by development. It is currently assigned Scarce A status in a national status review in preparation. The spider is strongly associated with dry, warm, sunny open habitats containing a proportion of bare ground. The spider makes an ‘igloo’-like retreat and feeds on ants such as the common black ant Lasius niger.

Chilopoda, Cryptopidae Cryptops anomalans Nationally Scarce (Notable/Nb)

This centipede is a large and impressive animal capable of penetrating human skin with its poison claws. It occurs in scattered, more or less urban, localities in south-east England with a few records from the southwest (Barber & Keay, 1988), and at the time of publication of that provisional atlas it is noted as being recorded from fifteen 10km squares.

Coleoptera, Carabidae Platyderus ruficollis Nationally Scarce (Notable/Nb)

Platyderus ruficollis is a southern and eastern species in Britain. It occurs only in the more western countries of Europe, where it is often montane, Britain representing its northern limit (Luff 1998). It is found on dry, sandy or chalky soils, in open situations. It is predatory and is found amongst leaves, moss and other vegetation, and under stones.

Coleoptera, Carabidae Microlestes minutulus

This ground beetle was first recorded in Britain from Rainham (Essex) in 1995, although it was first found in Suffolk in 1976, but went unrecognized until later. It has since been found in a small number of coastal localities in the south-east of England, with only four 10km squares shown in Luff (1998). However P.R. Harvey found the species inland in 2000 (Harvey 2000) and a number of new localities in the East Thames Corridor. It may be a recent colonist, but it may have been overlooked in the past.

Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae Longitarsus ballotae Nationally Scarce (Notable/Nb)

This flea beetle is widespread but local in southern England. It is found in grassland, especially chalk grassland, hedgerows, disturbed ground and field margins. It is phytophagous, associated with Black Horehound Ballota nigra. Disturbance, such as rotational rotovation, is needed to maintain suitable open conditions (Hyman & Parsons 1992).

Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae Phyllotreta cruciferae Nationally Scarce (Notable/Nb)

This flea beetle is widespread but local in England, found in coastal habitats and disturbed ground. It is phytophagous, recorded from pepperwort Lepidium, Sea Rocket Cakile maritima, Turnip Brassica rapa, and probably other species of the Cruciferae. Larvae feed on the roots of the foodplant. Disturbance such as rotovation, on a rotational basis, may be needed to maintain suitable open conditions (Hyman & Parsons 1992).

Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae Podagrica fuscicornis Nationally Scarce (Notable/Nb)

This is a small red and black flea beetle feeding on species of Malvaceae. The larvae probably develop at the roots of the host plant. It was formerly widespread in southern England, but is thought to be declining with recent records from a very small number of counties.

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 42

Coleoptera, Coccinellidae Adonia variegata Nationally Scarce (Notable/Nb)

Adonia variegata is scarce and restricted mainly to dry sandy places, in particular to heathlands and the coast. It is widespread with scattered records around southern Britain but is only frequent in the Thames area, in South Wales and in Staffordshire. The ladybird is a characteristic component of open dry warm habitats in the London region.

Coleoptera, Nitidulidae Meligethes fulvipes Nationally Scarce (Notable/N)

This pollen beetle has a scattered distribution in England and has been recorded in South Wales. It is found near the coast and in marshy places inland. The beetle is associated with Charlock Sinapsis arvensis (Hyman & Parsons 1994).

Coleoptera, Nitidulidae Meligethes rotundicollis Nationally Scarce (Notable/N)

Meligethes rotundicollis is a very local pollen beetle recorded from South East England and the Midlands. It is associated with Cruciferae, particularly Charlock and Hedge Mustard Sisybrium officinale (Hyman & Parsons 1994). It requires open conditions and disturbance such as rotovation, on a rotational basis, is necessary to maintain its habitat.

Coleoptera, Phalacridae Olibrus flavicornis Insufficiently Known (RDBK)

Olibrus flavicornis is a relatively widespread in the East Thames Corridor. It is probably associated with grassland and coastal habitats, and on the continent is apparently associated with Autumn Hawkbit Leontodon autumnalis, the larva probably developing in the flower head, while the adults feed on pollen (Hyman & Parsons 1992).

Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae Trichius zonatus Germar

This is an extremely rare black and yellow wasp mimicking chafer. It has been recorded in the past on only a handful of occasions in southern England – Tilbury, Essex 1938 ; Sheppey , Kent 1946 and Marlow, Bucks in1947 and 1949. It is doubtfully British, but there may well be an established population in the vicinity of the disturbed ground site area 21 east since two individuals were noted feeding on bramble blossom.

Trichius zonatus (photograph copyright M.W. Hanson)

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 43

Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Cetonia aurata L.

Although not considered to be a rare species and lacking any conservation status this large and impressive metallic green chafer was one of the highlights of the Hackney Marshes survey .In fact none of the three invertebrate specialists had ever seen this species in the region before. The beetle was noted at the disturbed ground site area 21 east in some numbers in May, June and July feeding on Elder flower umbels and buddleia and often seen in flight. The larvae are said to feed in decaying vegetable matter.

Cetonia aurata (photographs copyright M.W. Hanson – left and P.R. Harvey – right)

Homoptera, Delphacidae Asiraca clavicornis, Nationally Scarce (Notable/Nb)

Asiraca clavicornis is a planthopper with distinctive expanded front legs and antennae. It has a strongly south-eastern distribution, and is quite frequent in some parts of its range, such as in suitable habitat in the East Thames Corridor. It is found low down in dry grassland, including sparse grassland of recent origin on derelict land.

Hemiptera, Miridae Lygus pratensis Nationally Rare (RDB3)

Although on the continent L. pratensis has apparently always been a polyphagous species found in weedy places, in Britain it has previously been considered a rare woodland ride and edge bug. In the last few years however, the bug has been widely recorded in the south-east, Hampshire to Kent to Essex to Berkshire. The scattered old colonies may have spread, or there may have been a secondary wave of continental immigration. The species had not been recorded from Essex since the taxonomy of the genus in Britain was adequately revised, but since 2000 P.R. Harvey has collected it in a number of locations in South Essex.

Hemiptera, Lygaeidae Raglius alboacuminatus Nationally Scarce (Notable/Nb)

This groundbug is recorded from southern Britain, particularly the south-east. It is recorded from a number of habitats, and is particularly associated with Black Horehound Ballota nigra, but there may be other hosts. The habitats seem to have in common the presence of quite densely tufted plants growing on partly bare ground or ground covered in thin leaf litter.

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 44

Hemiptera, Rhopalidae Stictopleurus abutilon RDB1+ (Extinct, Appendix)

Stictopleurus abutilon is a large pale greenish brown bug found in dry open habitats. There were confirmed records for Kent, Surrey, Hampshire and Dorset, but until recently it was believed to be extinct in Britain, but was recorded from Essex in 1996 and from several locations in the south of England (Kirby 1997). It is now recorded widely in warm open flower rich grassland in the southeast, presumably in response to climate change, on ‘waste ground’ or other unmanaged and sporadically disturbed habitat, but the species seems far less common than Stictopleurus punctatonervosus (Harvey 2004).

Stictopleurus abutilon (photograph copyright P.R. Harvey)

Hemiptera, Rhopalidae Stictopleurus punctatonervosus RDB1+ (Extinct, Appendix)

This is a large pale greenish brown bug found in dry open habitats. There were nineteenth century records of this species from Surrey and Sussex, but until recently it was believed to be extinct in Britain (Bowdrey 1999). It is now recorded widely in warm open flower rich grassland in the southeast, presumably in response to climate change, on ‘waste ground’ or other unmanaged and sporadically disturbed habitat.

Hymenoptera, Andreninae Andrena pilipes Nationally Scarce (Notable/Nb)

Andrena pilipes is a scarce mining bee in the carbonaria group, host to the Nationally Rare (RDB3) cuckoo bee Nomada fulvicornis. It is mainly coastal in distribution, and is widespread in south Essex along the East Thames Corridor. It occurs in sandy areas of heathland, waste ground and sandpits, coastal grassland and landslips. The bee requires patches of bare, sandy soil or short turf in warm, sunny situations for nesting. The first brood is reported to collect pollen from Salix, Prunus and Brassica, whilst the second brood favours Rubus and thistles (Falk 1991).

Hymenoptera, Apinae Bombus humilis National Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP) species

This bumblebee is a UKBAP species on the basis of major declines across Britain, especially inland. Although not included in Falk (1991) it should now be viewed as Nationally Scarce. The East Thames Corridor region currently supports one of the most important remaining metapopulations in the UK, but many sites are already lost or under direct threat of development. It is considered Vulnerable in Essex and the east Thames region (Harvey 2002).

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 45

Bumblebee populations appear to operate at a landscape scale and it is probable that viable individual populations require minimum ranges of between ten to twenty sq. km of good matrix habitat within farmland (Edwards 1998). Forage areas need to be considered separately for queens and workers. The queens require nectar resources early in the season after their long winter hibernation to build up their reserves. They then need pollen resources for stocking cells in newly established nests to enable the first workers to develop. Workers also require nectar and pollen resources both for their own sustenance and to stock the developing nest.

It appears that areas of fairly tall, open flower-rich grasslands providing areas of abundant forage are required to support populations of Bombus humilis, but it is more able to utilise suitable small areas within a landscape than Shrill Carder Bee, another bumblebee with a nationally important metapopulation in the region. Observations suggest that large patches of flowers are used more frequently and are much more important than widely distributed resources. Observations also indicate that the availability of suitable forage (nectar and pollen) sources throughout the whole season from May to September is crucial. These resources need to be provided by an abundance of specific key forage sources, all of which significantly have very long flowering seasons as well as long corolla tubes which correspond to the long tongues of the bumblebees. Important plant species used in early summer by queens include Fodder Vetch, Red Clover Trifolium pratense and Broad-leaved Everlasting-pea Lathyrus latifolius. Workers forage on the flowers of species such as bird’s-foot trefoils Black Horehound Ballota nigra, Lotus spp., clovers, Lucerne Medicago sativa and Red Bartsia Odontites verna (Harvey 2000b; Harvey 2001).

Bombus humilis (photograph copyright P.R. Harvey)

The UK Action Plan for the Brown-banded Carder Bee Bombus humilis states “Where possible ensure that all occupied and nearby potential habitat is appropriately managed by 2008, for example through SSSI or agri-environment scheme management agreements” and “Ensure that the habitat requirements of the species are taken into account in relevant development policies, plans and proposals.”

Hymenoptera, Apinae Nomada fucata Notable/Na

This bee is a cleptoparasite of the local mining bee Andrena flavipes. It occurs in southern England, and was considered very local and probably declined by Falk (1991) with most sites during the 1970s being on the south coast of Dorset. It has since spread to become an almost certain companion of the Andrena throughout much of its range, and is now widely distributed throughout southern England (Edwards & Telfer 2002).

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 46

Hymenoptera, Colletinae Hylaeus cornutus Nationally Scarce (Notable/Na)

Records of this bee are largely confined to the south-central and south-eastern counties of England, with about 30 known post-1970 sites known to Falk (1991), over half in Kent. In Essex the bee is mostly found near the Thames in post-industrial habitats and disused mineral extraction sites where Carrot Daucus carota or other white umbellifers occur in quantity. There is a close association with these flowers, especially Carrot, from which the bee collects pollen to provision its cells. Nesting is reported in herbaceous stems and the dead stems of bramble.

Hymenoptera, Formicidae Lasius brunneus Nationally Scarce (Notable/Na)

The ant Lasius brunneus has an inland distribution in southern England, in the Thames Valley and the Severn Vale (Alexander 1998). The ant is widespread in suitable habitat in south western Essex as far north as Hatfield Forest. It is a tree-dwelling ant, typically nesting in old oak trees in parkland, but is also sometimes found in hedgerows. At Hackney Marshes it was found under dead wood under a large Elder bush in the wasteground area south of Ruckholt Road.

Hymenoptera, Halictinae Lasioglossum malachurum Nationally Scarce (Notable/Nb)

This bee occurs in southern England, mainly near the coast, but in Essex it is so widespread and frequent that it has not been included in the Essex Red Data list. British pollen sources are not known, but flower visits are reported from a variety of species (Falk, 1991), including various yellow composites (Asteraceae).

Hymenoptera, Halictinae Sphecodes crassus Nationally Scarce (Notable/Nb)

Sphecodes crassus is a small black and red cuckoo bee, cleptoparasitic on Lasioglossum sp. especially L. nitiduisculum and L. parvulum. Females are very difficult to distinguish from the related S. geoffrellus (fasciatus), therefore its status and distribution is unclear. However it does currently seem to be widespread in the East Thames Corridor.

Hymenoptera, Pompilidae Auplopus carbonarius Nationally Scarce (Notable/Nb)

This spider hunting wasp tends to inhabit woodland, especially that with streams and marshy areas which provide wet mud and clay for nesting materials. The nests are built in cavities in a great variety of situations and stocked most frequently with spiders in the family Clubionidae (Edwards 1997). The map in Edwards indicates that this is the first record for the 10km square containing the Hackney wasteground site and there are only old records shown in the London area.

Lepidoptera, Noctuidae Hecatera dysodea Insufficiently Known (RDBK)

This Small Ranunculus was formerly widely distributed, being very common in East Anglia and until ca 1910, but disappeared and was not seen until 1997 when the moth reappeared along the Thames Estuary (Bradley 2000). Larvae feed on lettuce flowers.

Hecatera dysodea larvae (photograph copyright P.R. Harvey)

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 47

Orthoptera, Conocephalidae Conocephalus discolor Nationally Scarce (Notable/Na)

Conocephalus discolor is a small brown and green bush cricket which inhabits areas of long grass, reeds or rushes in wet places. Until recent years it was almost always found within a few miles of the sea and confined to the south coastal area, with records from Dorset, Hampshire, Sussex and Kent. However it has been spreading widely and was first recorded in the extreme west of Essex in 1995.

Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae Metrioptera roeselii Nationally Scarce (Notable/Nb)

The East Thames Corridor has long been a national stronghold for this bush cricket, but in recent years the species has undergone a very large climate driven expansion of range. In Essex the species now occurs in considerable abundance in agricultural grasslands such as set-a-side, grass field margins and lightly grazed pastures where there is plenty of vegetation cover. Road verges are also a suitable habitat as they contain tall rank grasses which are ideal cover for this species (Gardiner 2002).

References

Alexander, K. 1998. The Severn Vale, a national stronghold for Lasius brunneus (Latreille) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) British Journal of Entomology and Natural History 10 (4): 217-219.

Barber, A.D. & Keay, A.N. (1988) Provisional atlas of the centipedes of the British Isles. Biological Records Centre, Huntingdon.

Bowdrey, J.P. (1999) Stictopleurus punctatonervosus (Goeze, 1778) (Hem.: Rhopalidae) rediscovered in Britain and new to Essex. Entomologist's Record 111: 135-6.

Bradley, J.D. (2000) Checklist of Lepidoptera recorded from the British Isles. Second edition (revised).

Edwards, M.E. (1998) U.K. B.A.P. Bumblebee Working Group Report, 1998. Midhurst.

Edwards, R. (1997) Provisional atlas of the aculeate Hymenoptera of Britain and Ireland Part 1. Biological Records Centre, Huntingdon.

Edwards, R. & Telfer, M. (2002) Provisional atlas of the aculeate Hymenoptera of Britain and Ireland Part 4. Biological Records Centre, Huntingdon.

Falk, S. (1991) A review of the scarce and threatened bees, wasps and ants of Great Britain (part 1). Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, number 35. NCC.

Gardiner, T. (2002) in Provisional Essex Red Data list to be found at the Essex Field Club website www.essexfieldclub.org.uk/ERDlist/ERDB.htm

Jessop, L. (1986) Dung beetles and chafers. Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea. Handbooks for the Identification of British Insects, Vol. 5, Part 1. Royal Entomogical Society.

Harvey, P.R. (1999) Temple Mills Invertebrate Assessment 1999. Unpublished report commissioned by the London Borough of Waltham Forest.

Harvey, P.R. (2000) Rammey Marsh Invertebrate Assessment. Land affected by the footprint of the proposed NGAR road. Report commissioned by the Lee Valley Regional Authority.

Harvey, P.R. (2000b). Shrill Carder Bee. Essex 2000. Report for English Nature.

Harvey, P.R. (2001). Shrill Carder Bee at Canvey Northwick. Essex 2001. Report for English Nature.

Harvey, P.R. (2002) Provisional Essex Red Data list. List prepared for English Nature and available at www.essexfieldclub.org.uk/ERDlist/ERDB.htm

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 48

Harvey, P.R. (2004) Website forms and an update on Argiope bruennichi. SRS News No. 50 in Newsl. Br. Arachnol. Soc. 101: 9-11.

Harvey, P. (2004) Stictopleurus abutilon (Rossi) and S. punctatonervosus (Goeze) (Hemiptera: Rhopalidae), new records mainly from Essex. Essex Naturalist (New series) 21: 57-59.

Harvey, P.R., Nellist, D.R. & Telfer, M.G. (eds) 2002. Provisional atlas of British spiders (Arachnida, Araneae),Volumes 1 & 2. Huntingdon: Biological Records Centre.

Hull, J.E. (1935) Some Essex spiders. Essex Naturalist XXIV: 209-214.

Hyman, P. S. & Parsons, M. S. (1992) A review of the scarce and threatened Coleoptera of Great Britain Part 1. UK Nature Conservation, number 3. JNCC.

Hyman, P. S. & Parsons, M. S. (1994) A review of the scarce and threatened Coleoptera of Great Britain Part 2. UK Nature Conservation, number 12. JNCC.

Kirby, P. (1997) Essex Heteroptera report for 1996. Essex Naturalist (New series) 14: 18-20.

Locket, G.H. & Millidge, A.F. 1951. British Spiders, Volume I. London: Ray Society.

Luff, M.L. (1998) Provisional atlas of the ground beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae) of Britain. Biological Records Centre, Huntingdon

Butterflies – recorded from Hackney Marshes 2004 (all areas):

Small skipper Thymelicus sylvestris Essex skipper Thymelicus lineola Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni Large White Pieris brassicae Small White Pieris rapae Green-veined White Pieris napi Orange Tip Anthocharis cardamines Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina Hedge Brown Pyronia tithonus Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae Peacock Inachis io Comma Polygonia c-album Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas Common Blue Polyommatus icarus

Grasshoppers and Crickets recorded from Hackney Marshes 2004 (all areas)

Chorthippus albomarginatus Chorthippus brunneus Chorthippus parallelus Conocephalus discolor Leptophyes punctatissima Metrioptera roesellii Tetrix subulata

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 49

SUMMARY OF INVERTEBRATE TAXA RECORDED AT DIFFERENT LOCATIONS

Order Family Taxon Status various East Marsh NUFU wood) Meadow and 6 & 7 (North Areas Lee River edge, & river path bank, shady west) (wasteground, east and Area 21 Road) Ruckholt east, (wasteground Area 21 west) (wasteground Area 21 Number of species 87 7 52 69 204 168 81 Arachnida: Araneae Agelenidae Agelena labyrinthica + + Arachnida: Araneae Agelenidae Tegenaria gigantea Local + + + Essex Rare, Essex Arachnida: Araneae Agelenidae Textrix denticulata Endangered + Arachnida: Araneae Araneidae Agalenatea redii Local + + + Arachnida: Araneae Araneidae Araneus diadematus + + + Arachnida: Araneae Araneidae Araniella cucurbitina sens. str. + Arachnida: Araneae Araneidae Araniella opisthographa Local + + + Arachnida: Araneae Araneidae Argiope bruennichi Notable/Na + + + Arachnida: Araneae Araneidae Larinioides cornutus + + + Arachnida: Araneae Araneidae Neoscona adianta Local + + + Arachnida: Araneae Clubionidae Cheiracanthium erraticum + + Arachnida: Araneae Clubionidae Clubiona reclusa + + Arachnida: Araneae Dictynidae Dictyna arundinacea + + + Arachnida: Araneae Dictynidae Dictyna latens Local + + + Arachnida: Araneae Dictynidae Dictyna uncinata + + + Arachnida: Araneae Dysderidae Dysdera crocata + + + Arachnida: Araneae Linyphiidae Bathyphantes gracilis + Arachnida: Araneae Linyphiidae Erigone atra + + Arachnida: Araneae Linyphiidae Oedothorax agrestis Local + Arachnida: Araneae Liocranidae Phrurolithus festivus + + + Arachnida: Araneae Lycosidae Pardosa agrestis Notable/Nb + + Arachnida: Araneae Lycosidae Pardosa prativaga + + + Arachnida: Araneae Lycosidae Trochosa ruricola + Arachnida: Araneae Philodromidae Philodromus cespitum + + + + + Arachnida: Araneae Philodromidae Tibellus oblongus + + + Arachnida: Araneae Salticidae Heliophanus cupreus + + Arachnida: Araneae Salticidae Salticus scenicus + + + Arachnida: Araneae Salticidae Talavera aequipes Local + + Arachnida: Araneae Tetragnathidae Tetragnatha extensa + + Arachnida: Araneae Tetragnathidae Tetragnatha montana Local + + Arachnida: Araneae Theridiidae Enoplognatha latimana Local + + + + Arachnida: Araneae Theridiidae Theridion sisyphium + Arachnida: Araneae Thomisidae Misumena vatia + + +

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 50

Order Family Taxon Status various various East Marsh wood) NUFU Meadow and 6 & 7 (North Areas Lee River edge, & river path bank, shady west) east and (wasteground, Area 21 Road) Ruckholt east, Area (wasteground 21 west) Area (wasteground 21 Arachnida: Araneae Thomisidae Xysticus kochi Local + + + Arachnida: Araneae Zodariidae Zodarion italicum pScarce A + + Arachnida: Opiliones Phalangiidae Mitopus morio + + Arachnida: Opiliones Phalangiidae Odiellus spinosus Local + + Arachnida: Opiliones Phalangiidae Phalangium opilio + + Chilopoda Cryptopidae Cryptops anomalans Notable/Nb + Chilopoda Cryptopidae Cryptops hortensis + + Chilopoda Lithobiidae Lithobius forficatus + Coleoptera Anthicidae Omonadus floralis + + Coleoptera Apionidae Aspidapion radiolus + + + + Coleoptera Apionidae Malvapion malvae + + + + Coleoptera Apionidae Pseudapion rufirostre + + + + Coleoptera Bruchidae Bruchus rufimanus Local + + Coleoptera Byrrhidae Simplocaria semistriata + + Coleoptera Cantharidae Cantharis rustica + + Coleoptera Cantharidae Rhagonycha fulva + + Coleoptera Carabidae Amara eurynota Local + + Coleoptera Carabidae Bembidion properans + + Coleoptera Carabidae Bradycellus verbasci + + Coleoptera Carabidae Clivina collaris Local + Coleoptera Carabidae Harpalus affinis + + Coleoptera Carabidae Harpalus rubripes Local + + Coleoptera Carabidae Harpalus rufipes + + Coleoptera Carabidae Microlestes minutulus + + Coleoptera Carabidae Paranchus albipes + Coleoptera Carabidae Platyderus ruficollis Notable/Nb + Coleoptera Cerambycidae Grammoptera ruficornis + + + Coleoptera Chrysomelidae Altica lythri + + Coleoptera Chrysomelidae Altica palustris + + Coleoptera Chrysomelidae Cryptocephalus fulvus Local + + Coleoptera Chrysomelidae Galerucella grisescens + + Coleoptera Chrysomelidae Longitarsus ballotae Notable/Nb + + Coleoptera Chrysomelidae Longitarsus flavicornis + + + Coleoptera Chrysomelidae Longitarsus melanocephalus + Coleoptera Chrysomelidae Phyllotreta cruciferae Notable/Nb + +

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 51

Order Family Taxon Status various various East Marsh wood) NUFU Meadow and 6 & 7 (North Areas Lee River edge, & river path bank, shady west) east and (wasteground, Area 21 Road) Ruckholt east, Area (wasteground 21 west) Area (wasteground 21 Coleoptera Chrysomelidae Phyllotreta undulata + + + Coleoptera Chrysomelidae Podagrica fuscicornis Notable/Nb + + Coleoptera Chrysomelidae Psylliodes cuprea Local + + Coleoptera Coccinellidae Adalia bipunctata + Coleoptera Coccinellidae Adonia variegata Notable/Nb + + + + Coleoptera Coccinellidae Coccinella septempunctata + + + + Coleoptera Coccinellidae Exochomus quadripustulatus + + Coleoptera Coccinellidae Propylea quattuordecimpunctata + + + Coleoptera Coccinellidae Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata + Subcoccinella Coleoptera Coccinellidae vigintiquattuorpunctata + Coleoptera Curculionidae Ceutorhynchus assimilis + Coleoptera Curculionidae Ceutorhynchus marginatus Local + + Coleoptera Curculionidae Ceutorhynchus picitarsis Local + + Coleoptera Curculionidae Ceutorhynchus quadridens + + Coleoptera Curculionidae Phyllobius pyri + Coleoptera Curculionidae Sitona lineatus + + + Coleoptera Curculionidae Trichosirocalus troglodytes + + Coleoptera Histeridae Margarinotus purpurascens + + Coleoptera Lucanidae Dorcus parallelipipedus Local + Coleoptera Melyridae Malachius bipustulatus + Coleoptera Melyridae Malachius viridis Local + + + Coleoptera Nitidulidae Brachypterus glaber + Coleoptera Nitidulidae Meligethes aeneus + + + Coleoptera Nitidulidae Meligethes fulvipes Notable/N + + + + Coleoptera Nitidulidae Meligethes rotundicollis Notable/N + + Coleoptera Nitidulidae Meligethes ruficornis Local + + Coleoptera Oedemeridae Oedemera lurida Local + + + + + Coleoptera Oedemeridae Oedemera nobilis + + + + + Coleoptera Phalacridae Olibrus flavicornis RDBK + + + Coleoptera Phalacridae Phalacrus fimetarius Unknown + + Coleoptera Scarabaeidae Cetonia aurata Local + + Coleoptera Scarabaeidae Trichius zonatus Vagrant/Accidental + + Coleoptera Scraptiidae Anaspis maculata + Coleoptera Staphylinidae Omalium italicum + +

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 52

Order Family Taxon Status various various East Marsh wood) NUFU Meadow and 6 & 7 (North Areas Lee River edge, & river path bank, shady west) east and (wasteground, Area 21 Road) Ruckholt east, Area (wasteground 21 west) Area (wasteground 21 Dermaptera Forficulidae Forficula auricularia + + Diplopoda Julidae Cylindroiulus britannicus + + Diptera Agromyzidae Napomyza lateralis Unknown + Diptera Agromyzidae Ophiomyia cunctata Unknown + + Diptera Anthomyiidae Eustalomyia histrio Unknown + Diptera Asilidae Leptogaster cylindrica + + Diptera Bibionidae Bibio marci + Diptera Calliphoridae Calliphora vicina + Diptera Calliphoridae Lucilia caesar + Diptera Calliphoridae Lucilia sericata + + Diptera Chamaemyiidae Chamaemyia aridella + + Diptera Chamaemyiidae Chamaemyia herbarum + + + Diptera Chloropidae Elachiptera tuberculifera Unknown + Diptera Chloropidae Meromyza zachvatkini Local + + + Diptera Chloropidae Thaumatomyia hallandica Unknown + + Diptera Chloropidae Thaumatomyia notata + + + Diptera Chloropidae Tricimba cincta + Diptera Dolichopodidae Hercostomus metallicus + + Diptera Dolichopodidae Sympycnus desoutteri + Diptera Drosophilidae Scaptomyza pallida + + Diptera Empididae Bicellaria vana + Diptera Empididae Empis caudatula Local + + Diptera Empididae Empis chioptera Unknown + Diptera Empididae Empis scutellata Local + Diptera Empididae Hilara lurida Local + Diptera Empididae Pachymeria femorata + + Diptera Ephydridae Ditrichophora calceata Unknown + Diptera Fanniidae Fannia armata + Diptera Fanniidae Fannia lustrator + Diptera Fanniidae Fannia serena + Diptera Hybotidae Platypalpus agilis + Diptera Hybotidae Tachypeza nubila + Diptera Lauxaniidae Calliopum aeneum + + Diptera Lauxaniidae Meiosimyza platycephala Unknown + Diptera Lauxaniidae Meiosimyza subfasciata +

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 53

Order Family Taxon Status various various East Marsh wood) NUFU Meadow and 6 & 7 (North Areas Lee River edge, & river path bank, shady west) east and (wasteground, Area 21 Road) Ruckholt east, Area (wasteground 21 west) Area (wasteground 21 Diptera Lauxaniidae Minettia plumicornis + + Diptera Lauxaniidae Minettia rivosa + + Diptera Lauxaniidae Sapromyza quadripunctata Unknown + + + Diptera Limoniidae Gnophomyia viridipennis Notable/N + Diptera Limoniidae Symplecta stictica + Diptera Lonchaeidae Lonchaea contraria + Diptera Lonchaeidae Lonchaea fugax Unknown + Diptera Lonchaeidae Lonchaea palposa Notable/N + Diptera Lonchaeidae Lonchaea sylvatica Unknown + + Diptera Lonchaeidae Setisquamalonchaea fumosa Unknown + + Diptera Micropezidae Neria cibaria + + Diptera Micropezidae Neria commutata? + Diptera Muscidae Coenosia testacea + Diptera Muscidae Graphomya maculata + Diptera Muscidae Helina impuncta + Diptera Muscidae Helina lasiophthalma + + Diptera Muscidae Helina reversio + + Diptera Muscidae Muscina stabulans Unknown + Diptera Muscidae Phaonia subventa + Diptera Mycetophilidae Leia bimaculata Unknown + Diptera Phoridae Phora hamata 2nd British record + Diptera Rhinophoridae Rhinophora lepida Unknown + + + + Diptera Sarcophagidae Blaesoxipha plumicornis Notable/N + Diptera Sarcophagidae Sarcophaga crassimargo + Diptera Sarcophagidae Sarcophaga filia Local + + Diptera Sarcophagidae Sarcophaga incisilobata + + Diptera Sarcophagidae Sarcophaga nigriventris + + + Diptera Sarcophagidae Sarcophaga variegata + + Diptera Scathophagidae Nanna fasciata + Diptera Scathophagidae Norellisoma spinimanum + Diptera Sciomyzidae Coremacera marginata Local + + Diptera Sphaeroceridae Gonioneura spinipennis + Diptera Sphaeroceridae Ischiolepta pusilla + Diptera Sphaeroceridae Opalimosina mirabilis + Diptera Sphaeroceridae Pullimosina heteroneura +

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 54

Order Family Taxon Status various various East Marsh wood) NUFU Meadow and 6 & 7 (North Areas Lee River edge, & river path bank, shady west) east and (wasteground, Area 21 Road) Ruckholt east, Area (wasteground 21 west) Area (wasteground 21 Diptera Stratiomyidae Beris chalybata + Diptera Stratiomyidae Chloromyia formosa + + + + Diptera Stratiomyidae Microchrysa polita + Diptera Stratiomyidae Pachygaster atra + Diptera Stratiomyidae Pachygaster leachii Local + + Diptera Stratiomyidae Beris chalybeata + Diptera Syrphidae Cheilosia pagana + Diptera Syrphidae Cheilosia vernalis + + Diptera Syrphidae Epistrophe eligans + Diptera Syrphidae Episyrphus balteatus + Diptera Syrphidae Eristalinus sepulchralis + Diptera Syrphidae Eristalis arbustorum + + + Diptera Syrphidae Eristalis intricarius + Diptera Syrphidae Eristalis pertinax + Diptera Syrphidae Eupeodes luniger + + + Diptera Syrphidae Meliscaeva auricollis + Diptera Syrphidae Merodon equestris + Diptera Syrphidae Myathropa florea + Diptera Syrphidae Paragus haemorrhous Local + + + + Diptera Syrphidae Pipizella viduata + Diptera Syrphidae Platycheirus tarsalis Local + Diptera Syrphidae Sphaerophoria scripta + + + + Diptera Syrphidae Syritta pipiens + + + + Diptera Syrphidae Syrphus ribesii + + Diptera Syrphidae Syrphus vitripennis + Diptera Syrphidae Volucella pellucens Diptera Syrphidae Volucella zonaria Notable/N Diptera Syrphidae Xanthogramma pedissequum Local Diptera Syrphidae Xylota segnis + Diptera Tachinidae Actia lamia Unknown + Discovered in Britain Diptera Tachinidae Catharosia pygmaea in 1996 + + + Diptera Tachinidae Cistogaster globosa RDB1 + Diptera Tachinidae Dinera grisescens Unknown + Diptera Tachinidae Dufouria chalybeata Unknown +

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 55

Order Family Taxon Status various various East Marsh wood) NUFU Meadow and 6 & 7 (North Areas Lee River edge, & river path bank, shady west) east and (wasteground, Area 21 Road) Ruckholt east, Area (wasteground 21 west) Area (wasteground 21 Diptera Tachinidae Eriothrix rufomaculata + + + + Diptera Tachinidae Litophasia hyalipennis RDB1+ (Appendix) + + Diptera Tachinidae Phania funesta Unknown + + + Diptera Tachinidae Phasia pusilla Local + + + Diptera Tachinidae Solieria pacifica Unknown + + Diptera Tachinidae Tachina fera + Diptera Tephritidae Campiglossa misella Unknown + + Diptera Tephritidae Tephritis formosa Local + + Diptera Tephritidae Tephritis neesii Local + + Diptera Tephritidae Terellia serratulae + Diptera Tephritidae Terellia tussilaginis + + + Diptera Tephritidae Urophora quadrifasciata Local + Diptera Tephritidae Urophora stylata + + Diptera Therevidae Thereva nobilitata + Diptera Tipulidae Nephrotoma appendiculata + Diptera Tipulidae Nephrotoma quadrifaria + + Diptera Ulidiidae Myennis octopunctata RDB2 + Diptera Xylomyiidae Solva marginata Notable/N + Hemiptera: Heteroptera Cimicidae Anthocoris nemorum + Hemiptera: Heteroptera Cimicidae Orius laevigatus + + Hemiptera: Heteroptera Coreidae Coreus marginatus + + Hemiptera: Heteroptera Cydnidae Legnotus limbosus + Hemiptera: Heteroptera Hydrometridae Hydrometra stagnorum + Hemiptera: Heteroptera Lygaeidae Heterogaster urticae + + + Hemiptera: Heteroptera Lygaeidae Kleidocerys resedae + Hemiptera: Heteroptera Lygaeidae Megalonotus chiragra + + Hemiptera: Heteroptera Lygaeidae Nysius ericae + + Hemiptera: Heteroptera Lygaeidae Nysius senecionis + + Hemiptera: Heteroptera Lygaeidae Raglius alboacuminatus Notable/Nb + + Hemiptera: Heteroptera Lygaeidae Scolopostethus affinis + Hemiptera: Heteroptera Miridae Adelphocoris lineolatus + Hemiptera: Heteroptera Miridae Calocoris norwegicus + + + Hemiptera: Heteroptera Miridae Heterotoma planicornis + + Hemiptera: Heteroptera Miridae Lygocoris pabulinus + Hemiptera: Heteroptera Miridae Lygus maritimus + +

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 56

Order Family Taxon Status various various East Marsh wood) NUFU Meadow and 6 & 7 (North Areas Lee River edge, & river path bank, shady west) east and (wasteground, Area 21 Road) Ruckholt east, Area (wasteground 21 west) Area (wasteground 21 Hemiptera: Heteroptera Miridae Lygus pratensis RDB3 + Hemiptera: Heteroptera Miridae Megalocoleus molliculus + Hemiptera: Heteroptera Miridae Notostira elongata + + Hemiptera: Heteroptera Miridae Orthops campestris + + Hemiptera: Heteroptera Miridae Phytocoris varipes + + + Hemiptera: Heteroptera Miridae Plagiognathus arbustorum + + Hemiptera: Heteroptera Miridae Plagiognathus chrysanthemi + Hemiptera: Heteroptera Miridae Stenodema laevigata + + Hemiptera: Heteroptera Pentatomidae Aelia acuminata Local + + + + + Hemiptera: Heteroptera Pentatomidae Dolycoris baccarum + + + + Hemiptera: Heteroptera Pentatomidae Eurydema oleracea Local + + + + + Hemiptera: Heteroptera Pentatomidae Eysarcoris fabricii + + Hemiptera: Heteroptera Pentatomidae Palomena prasina + + Hemiptera: Heteroptera Pentatomidae Podops inuncta + + Hemiptera: Heteroptera Rhopalidae Rhopalus subrufus Local + + Hemiptera: Heteroptera Rhopalidae Stictopleurus abutilon RDB1+ (Appendix) + + + Hemiptera: Heteroptera Rhopalidae Stictopleurus punctatonervosus RDB1+ (Appendix) + + + + Hemiptera: Heteroptera Tingidae Tingis ampliata + + Homoptera: Auchenorrhyncha Cercopidae Neophilaenus campestris + + Homoptera: Auchenorrhyncha Cercopidae Neophilaenus lineatus + + + Homoptera: Auchenorrhyncha Cercopidae Philaenus spumarius + + + Homoptera: Auchenorrhyncha Cicadellidae Aphrodes makarovi + + Homoptera: Auchenorrhyncha Cicadellidae Eupteryx aurata + Homoptera: Auchenorrhyncha Cicadellidae Euscelis incisus + + + + Homoptera: Auchenorrhyncha Delphacidae Asiraca clavicornis Notable/Nb + + + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Andreninae Andrena chrysosceles + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Andreninae Andrena dorsata Local + + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Andreninae Andrena flavipes Local + + + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Andreninae Andrena haemorrhoa + + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Andreninae Andrena minutula + + +

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 57

Order Family Taxon Status various various East Marsh wood) NUFU Meadow and 6 & 7 (North Areas Lee River edge, & river path bank, shady west) east and (wasteground, Area 21 Road) Ruckholt east, Area (wasteground 21 west) Area (wasteground 21 Hymenoptera: Aculeata Andreninae Andrena pilipes Notable/Nb + + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Apinae Bombus humilis UKBAP + + + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Apinae Bombus lapidarius + + + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Apinae Bombus lucorum + + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Apinae Bombus pascuorum + + + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Apinae Bombus pratorum + + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Apinae Bombus terrestris + + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Apinae Nomada flava + + + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Apinae Nomada flavoguttata + + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Apinae Nomada fucata Notable/Na + + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Colletinae Colletes daviesanus + + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Colletinae Colletes similis Local + + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Colletinae Hylaeus annularis Local + + + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Colletinae Hylaeus communis Local + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Colletinae Hylaeus cornutus Notable/Na + + + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Formicidae Lasius brunneus Notable/Na + + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Formicidae Lasius flavus + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Formicidae Lasius niger sens. lat. + + + + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Formicidae Myrmica scabrinodis + + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Halictinae Halictus tumulorum + + + + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Halictinae Lasioglossum albipes + + + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Halictinae Lasioglossum calceatum + + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Halictinae Lasioglossum leucopus Local + + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Halictinae Lasioglossum malachurum Notable/Nb + + + + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Halictinae Lasioglossum morio + + + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Halictinae Lasioglossum villosulum + + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Halictinae Sphecodes crassus Notable/Nb + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Halictinae Sphecodes geoffrellus + + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Halictinae Sphecodes monilicornis Local + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Megachilinae Anthidium manicatum + + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Megachilinae Hoplitis spinulosa Local + + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Megachilinae Megachile centuncularis Local + + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Megachilinae Megachile willughbiella + + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Pompilidae Auplopus carbonarius Notable/Nb + + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Sphecidae Ammophila sabulosa Local + + +

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 58

Order Family Taxon Status various various East Marsh wood) NUFU Meadow and 6 & 7 (North Areas Lee River edge, & river path bank, shady west) east and (wasteground, Area 21 Road) Ruckholt east, Area (wasteground 21 west) Area (wasteground 21 Hymenoptera: Aculeata Sphecidae Crossocerus annulipes + + + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Sphecidae Crossocerus elongatulus + + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Sphecidae Crossocerus podagricus + + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Sphecidae Ectemnius cavifrons + + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Sphecidae Ectemnius cephalotes + + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Sphecidae Passaloecus corniger + + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Sphecidae Pemphredon lethifera + + + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Sphecidae Pemphredon lugubris + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Tiphiidae Tiphia femorata Local + + Hymenoptera: Aculeata Vespidae Vespula vulgaris + + Isopoda Armadillidiidae Armadillidium nasatum Local + + Isopoda Armadillidiidae Armadillidium vulgare + + + Isopoda Oniscidae Oniscus asellus + + + Isopoda Philosciidae Philoscia muscorum + Isopoda Platyarthridae Platyarthrus hoffmannseggi + + + Isopoda Porcellionidae Porcellio scaber + + + + Isopoda Trachelipidae Trachelipus rathkei Local + Lepidoptera Hesperiidae Thymelicus lineola + Lepidoptera Hesperiidae Thymelicus sylvestris + Lepidoptera Lycaenidae Lycaena phlaeus Lepidoptera Lycaenidae Polyommatus icarus Lepidoptera Noctuidae Hecatera dysodea RDBK + + + + Lepidoptera Nymphalidae Aglais urticae Lepidoptera Nymphalidae Inachis io Lepidoptera Nymphalidae Maniola jurtina + + Lepidoptera Nymphalidae Pararge aegeria + Lepidoptera Nymphalidae Polygonia c-album Lepidoptera Nymphalidae Pyronia tithonus Lepidoptera Nymphalidae Vanessa atalanta Lepidoptera Pieridae Anthochares cardamines + Lepidoptera Pieridae Gonepteryx rhamni + Lepidoptera Pieridae Pieris brassicae + Lepidoptera Pieridae Pieris napi + Lepidoptera Pieridae Pieris rapae + Lepidoptera Zygaenidae Zygaena lonicerae +

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 59

Order Family Taxon Status various various East Marsh wood) NUFU Meadow and 6 & 7 (North Areas Lee River edge, & river path bank, shady west) east and (wasteground, Area 21 Road) Ruckholt east, Area (wasteground 21 west) Area (wasteground 21 Orthoptera Acrididae Chorthippus albomarginatus Local + Orthoptera Acrididae Chorthippus brunneus + + Orthoptera Acrididae Chorthippus parallelus + Orthoptera Conocephalidae Conocephalus discolor Notable/Na + Orthoptera Phaneropteridae Leptophyes punctatissima + Orthoptera Tettigoniidae Metrioptera roeselii Notable/Nb + Orthoptera Tetrigidae Tetrix subulata Local +

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 60

Birds – recorded from Hackney Marshes 2004 (all areas)

The 47 species of bird recorded below are very much the result of casual recording on the site. I suspect that diligent recording, combined with a bird ringing exercise, would easily double and probably treble the numbers on this list over a small number of years. Of note, but not included on the list, was a possible Pink-footed Goose seen consorting with a sizeable flock of Grey-lag Geese and also a probably hybrid Canada x Greylag Goose in the same area. The latter bird took exactly the body form of the Greylag, but had muted Canada Goose type markings. Bird records are kept for this part of the Lee Valley.

Little Grebe House Martin Cormorant Pied Wagtail Grey Heron Wren Mute Swan Dunnock Greylag Goose Robin Canada Goose Blackbird Gadwall Song Thrush Teal Common White Throat Mallard Blackcap Tufted Duck Chiff Chaff Sparrow Hawk Goldcrest Kestrel Long-tailed Tit Moorhen Blue Tit Coot Great Tit Black-headed Gull Jay Common Gull Magpie Lesser Black-backed Gull Carrion Crow Great Black-backed Gull Starling Wood Pigeon House Sparrow Feral Pigeon Chaffinch Cuckoo Greenfinch Swift Goldfinch Kingfisher Green Woodpecker Great Spotted Woodpecker

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 61

RIVER LEE, HACKNEY MARSHES TQ 373 856:

MOLLUSCS

Shells collected by Mark Hanson 22 April 2004 – Identified by Peter Wilson

GASTROPODA (Marine) Littorinidae Littorina littorea Buccinidae Buccinium undatum (encrusted with Pomatoceros sp.)

GASTROPODA (Freshwater) Viviparidae Viviparus contectus Hydrobidae Potamopyrgus antipodarum

AQUATIC PULMONATA Pysidae Physa sp. – introduced species Lymnaeidae Lymnaea palustris (one old specimen) Lymnaea stagnalis Lymnaea peregra Planorbidae Planorbis planorbis (one old specimen) Planorbis carinatus Anisus vortex Gyraulus albus Planorbarius corneus Ancylidae Ancylus fluviatilis

BIVALVIA Unionidae Unio tumidus (confirmed by Dr David Aldridge, Cambridge) Anodonta anatina Sphaeriidae Sphaerium corneum Dreissenidae Dreissena polymorpha

Freshwater species nomenclature follows Michael Kerney, 1999

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 62

MANAGEMENT AND SURVEY RECOMMENDATIONS

NATURE CONSERVATION AREAS ON HACKNEY MARSHES

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 63

1. Lower Level

The banks of the old River Lea and the River Lea itself. The well-vegetated banks of the river support a limited flora of mainly weed species. The banks are dominated by species such as Russian Comfrey, Cow Parsley, Giant Hogweed (and its hybrid with Common Hogweed), Nettle, Goose grass, Himalayan Balsam and Greek Dock. There are seemingly few native wetland species, but I did find odd plants of Brooklime and Watercress.

The lower level also has numerous fine specimen standard and pollard trees, including Black Poplar, Plane and Crack Willow. The Black Poplars are part of the largest concentration of this species in the London Area, whilst the Crack Willows are an important site for lichens and mosses (including the moss Orthotrichum tenellum, for which Hackney Marsh is so far the only known site in VC 21 Middlesex).

The River Lea (which is tidal at this point) has for decades been known as an important migratory route for birds (the adjacent Waterworks Nature Reserve has a substantial list of migrant species, notably with many warbler species and birds of prey). December 2004 also produced small numbers of migrant wintering duck, including Gadwall, Teal, Tufted and Mallard. Kingfisher (a good indicator of water quality) was also recorded here. Dragonflies were well represented (but not fully recorded). Species noted included Anax imperator, Orthotrichum tenellum and Agrion (Calopteryx) splendens. I suspect that other higher conservation status species were also present. Fishing takes place on the River Lea and the gravel bars and areas of Willow root on the bank-side are probably important spawning grounds for fish.

A collection of empty aquatic mollusc shells was made (from the Essex bank of the Lea) and although it is likely some of the empty shells may have travelled in the water, they are a good indication of what could be expected to be found in the river here.

River Lea (photograph copyright M.W. Hanson)

Further Survey Work

Further survey work of the River Lea’s aquatic flora and fauna should be encouraged. The 2004 survey, for example, looked for unusual species of Diptera (Flies) and Coleoptera (Beetles) on the exposed tidal mud

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 64 on the margin of the Lea, but nothing of significance was found. However, a dedicated survey (perhaps using pitfall traps) could locate some interesting species. The river’s fish fauna would also be well worth surveying. A continual assessment and monitoring of the Lea’s water quality would be useful (Environment Agency). Much of the Lea on Hackney Marsh, despite its course being altered in the past, has a natural feel to it – which is good for wildlife - unlike other parts of the Lea, which are canalised with bare concrete banks. Although we did not see it on our survey, the invasive North American Water Pennywort (Hydrocotyle ranunculoides) should be looked-out for. This can be a very deleterious addition to the flora (it has been found at Walthamstow Marsh). However, the dense marginal vegetation it likes is generally not present in the Lea on Hackney Marshes. Another pest species worth looking-out for is the North American Crayfish. A crayfish (species unknown) was mentioned to me as occurring in conversation with an angler on the Lea.

Management

It is to be hoped that good water quality will be maintained as far as is possible on the Lea. The riparian habitat is currently swamped by a handful of weed species, which could perhaps be thinned in places to provide visual access to the Lea and also to encourage areas with less competitive species of plant. However many of these weed species are good nectar sources for invertebrates, and care should be taken if thinning species such as the Giant Hogweed, which has a toxic sap.

Some assessment of the condition and as a result, potential management, of the older trees should be undertaken. Any dead wood could usefully be left in situ in the shade. It should at all times be remembered that the humid, shady conditions and presence of old trees (particularly the old Crack Willows) has given Hackney an important epiphyte (moss and lichen) site, which is probably also important in the context of London. The population of native Black (=Water) Poplars in this area (and also in 5) are of London importance and may need to have their own management, monitoring and propagation plan drawn-up, as well as an awareness of the possibility of infection by the poplar scab (see Appendix).

2. North and East Woodlands.

Narrow, linear belts of semi-mature planted woodlands on the upper level (raised by the dumping of rubble from World War II bombed-out East London). The trees consist mainly of poplars (Hybrid, Balsam, White) but other species as well. The under-storey is often coarse grasses and species such as Cow Parsley and Goose Grass. Some more recent planting of native species has taken place on the football pitch side. A tarmac path with adjacent outdoor physical training facilities runs through this area. In some areas dead wood in the form of log piles, heaps and spreads of chipped wood, are a useful addition to the wildlife habitat.

Future Survey Work

It would be useful for the success of the wood-chip piles, spreads and dead wood, to be monitored and assessed for the benefit of management schemes elsewhere.

Management

Maintain the plantings, retain the wood-chip and dead wood piles. They are important for many species, such as the Lesser Stag Beetle (Dorcus parallelopipedus) and the centipede Cryptops anomolans, as well as ants and woodlice. Paths and perhaps vistas across the marshes to be maintained or created.

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 65

3. East Bank (East Marsh)

Wooded bank of the River Lea. A steeply banked, partly wooded, part coarse, grassland area. Some invasion by Himalayan Balsam right down to the River Lea itself and also large established patch of Japanese Knotweed. Other weed species recorded were Giant Hogweed, Greek Dock, Russian Comfrey, Hemlock and Hemlock Water Dropwort. Cow Parsley, Teasel and one or two plants of Greater Knapweed (planted) would be useful invertebrate nectar sources. Some parts of the bank have trees and shrubs growing on them, either naturalised or planted. Species recorded include Zelkova, Southern Beech, White Mulberry, the three native species of Lime and domestic apple, plus a Prunus species. Crack Willow and Osier are present on the lower bank. A collection of empty mollusc shells was collected from this site and a list is appended.

Future survey work

It would be useful to monitor the spread of the Japanese Knotweed along the bank.

Management

In places this area would provide a distinct management challenge due to the very steep nature of the bank. It would, for example, be useful to attempt to contain or limit the spread of the Japanese Knotweed, but this would be extremely difficult and possibly dangerous, given the nature of the terrain. Likewise, some of the currently open grassy area would benefit from occasional management with the removal of arisings, but once again, a difficult task.

4. Spitalfields Market Scrub and East Marsh

Some mature trees interspersed with more recent plantings and small patches of coarse grassland. The Ruckholt Road end has very pronounced dense secondary woodland (with a lone Eucalyptus tree). As ever, the prime wildlife habitat is on the periphery of the sports recreational area. The eastern margin of East Marsh is bordered by a row of 24 mature Ash trees along Ruckholt Road, some of which have an interesting lichen flora (see report). Other trees on the East Marsh site include – Narrow-leaved Ash (pollards), Norway Maple, Grey Poplar, Willow-leaved Pear, Alder, Hybrid Poplar, Sycamore, Hornbeam, Hazel and Field Maple. One rarity amongst the invertebrates found on this site during the survey was the Agelenid spider Textrix denticulata, a rarity in south-eastern Britain and only otherwise known in Essex and East London from nearby Temple Mills (recorded here in 1999).

Management

Some thinning of the 1990 plantings could be achieved to help maintain the small areas of grassland (note: a small patch of Lady’s Bedstraw (Galium verum) was recorded here; it is often an indicator of old grassland). Some coppicing or pollarding of selected trees could also be beneficial.

5. Wooded River Banks

The fairly densely wooded river bank runs from the flood relief channel to just beyond the Friends Bridge. In contrast to area 1, it seems to suffer less from the invasion of dense stands of weed (perhaps precluded by the denser tree cover). The area also holds a substantial population of Water Poplars, including a number of old coppiced stools, as well as standard trees.

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 66

Further survey work

Monitoring the population of Water Poplars.

Management

Probably an ideal site for creating dead-wood habitat (it is very shady and moist). The denser areas would probably benefit from the introduction of piles of brush wood (as small mammal shelter).

6. North Meadow

Situated on the north part of the site, separated from the Middlesex Filter Beds by a belt of scrub. This site managed as a hay meadow, although not ancient meadowland, now has a well-established and species-rich sward. Over fifty species of higher plant were recorded here in 2004, including Pyramidal Orchid, Cowslip, Salad Burnet and Field Scabious. A full list is given in Table 4. The meadow, with its rich flora, is a good invertebrate site, and the location of the fourth and fifth specimens of the rare but distinctive Tachinid Fly Cistogaster globosa in only its third British site. The occasional patch of bare ground is good for grasshoppers and crickets.

Management

The current management regime of treating the area as a hay meadow, with one cut and removing the arisings, works very well in maintaining a diversity of plants and is obviously suitable for many species. There is a good supply of nectar-bearing plants for much of the year and even when cut, nearby areas such as 5, 7 and 8 can provide alternative sources and the large bramble bush within the pylon fence also makes a significant contribution. Late in the year, after plants have grown again after the cut, there are numerous dried stems and seed-heads for over-wintering invertebrates. The scarce bumblebee the UKBAP Brown- banded Carder Bee (Bombus humilis) forages on suitable flower resources both here and in the adjacent NUFU Wood area, although this will be true only as long as that area remains open.

7. NUFU Wood

Adjacent to North Meadow, this area of grassland is coarser than that previously mentioned. It is surrounded by (now broken) rabbit-proof fencing and as well as some naturally regenerating Oaks, has a few planted native trees. Its most important asset is its ant-hill mounds (probably Lasius niger). It is also a site for Gorse and Broom. Spiders like the impressive Wasp Spider (Argiope bruennechii) also find a home here. A number of other rare and notable invertebrates were recorded here.

Further survey work

Monitor the ant-hills and their associated species.

Management

Because of the ant-hills and the invertebrate interest, this area should not be managed by cutting. Ant-hills can be ecologically important, because they have the potential to develop a distinctive flora and fauna of their own, with some very specialised invertebrates associated with the ants. The ants themselves will attract Green Wood-peckers. The lack of management in this area causes ‘straw’ (dead grass) to accumulate and this is vulnerable to burning, as has happened in the past. Ant-mound grasslands are usually found in permanent pasture and are an increasingly rare feature in southern England and efforts should be made to enhance the habitat. The removal of some of the now broken rabbit-proof fencing would be a good first-step. Let the rabbit graze the sward as a way of keeping the coarser grasses at bay. I would

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 67 also recommend the removal of the planted trees from the area. There are now substantial numbers of planted trees on the Hackney Marsh site and quality grassland such as this ant-mound grassland is at a premium. The introduction of a certain amount of disturbance management would be highly beneficial to important open grassland invertebrates such as Bombus humilis, Argiope bruennichi and Clytiomya continua. This could take the form of periodic removal of topsoil from small areas (avoiding ant-hills) or occasional scarification.

8. Lee Valley Scrub and Car Park

A band of dense, planted scrub bordering the north part of the site. Species here include Buddleia, a good nectar source. The car park area, with its chipped stone surface, has a very distinctive flora (not found elsewhere on site) see Table 10.

Management

Currently both these areas seem to have no management intervention. The car park has now developed a very distinctive flora and hopefully this will be retained. I would advocate limited management here, restricted to perhaps regular litter clearance. Odd plants of Goats-rue (Galega officinalis) were also noted here. This species is worth monitoring, since it has the potential to become an invasive pest species.

9. Malik Wood

Rather like area 7 (NUFU Wood) this is another area of coarse grassland, with recently planted trees and developing scrub. This area also has ant nests, which attract Green Woodpeckers; its development into woodland will once again diminish a valuable habitat. It should, however, be possible to maintain at least part of this area as open grassland.

Management

Suggest retaining and enhancing some of the existing, albeit coarse, grassland.

Areas 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 West Side – incorporating the wooded bank of the Lee Navigation, Swan and Yew Wood, the Dip, Crescent Wood, Crescent Meadow and Marshgate Scrub.

This area consists of mature, semi-mature and recent tree plantings in largely coarse grassland. There is a good variety of tree species – mainly Poplars – but mature Plane trees are also present. Recent tree plantings are all native species and include Yew, Ash, English Oak, Hornbeam and Field Maple. Interspersed are areas of scrub. The Dip and Crescent Wood areas have interesting species, such as Gorse, Ramsons (a wild garlic, usually found in ancient woodland) and Danewort (Sambucus ebulus) which is a notable London species.

Management

Adjacent to fairly high-density housing, this is a popular area with visitors – dog walkers, joggers, or people who simply want to sit and take-in the view. It is currently fairly open and this should be maintained (by retaining paths and creating vistas through the denser wooded areas).

Probably not within the lifespan of this plan, but at some time in the future, the recent plantings may need to be thinned (this is likely to cause some dissent) but should be done sensitively to create open, but sheltered glades for visitors and wildlife alike. It should be possible as well to create dead-wood and habitat piles in secluded shadier parts. The open grassland in the Dip is quite extensive and should be

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 68 mown to maintain the pleasant open but sheltered aspect, whilst leaving some areas of grass/plant stems as over-wintering sites for invertebrates. At a later date perhaps, there could be some selection of trees for coppicing and pollarding, to create the feeling of managed woodland. Scrub should be encouraged to develop in places, perhaps planting native Rose species or other nectar-bearing plants. Scrub is good for invertebrates, nesting birds and cover for small mammals. With crescent Wood and Marshgate Scrub, plus other, less mature areas of scrub, there is a good diversity of this type of habitat in this area.

16. Marsh Edge and Depot

Marsh Edge, running along Homerton Road, consists mainly of mature planted trees (including Water Poplars and Balsam Poplars) adjacent to mown grassland. The Depot area includes more planted trees by the car park, the fenced park depot itself (with exotic tree species), changing rooms and wood yard.

Wood yard (photograph copyright M.W. Hanson)

Management

(See separate comments about the development of the Depot site).

The most important area, from a nature conservation point of view, is the wood-chip/log yard opposite the changing rooms, host to the rare RDB 2 saproxylic fly Myennis octopunctata known since the 1950s from only a handful of sites in the UK and probably the most significant invertebrate found on site. Probably no management, other than maintaining the existing log pile here is necessary. The creation of log piles elsewhere on site will hopefully help to maintain its population, as will the abundance of on-site Poplar species and their associated dead-wood.

17. Wick Woodland

A new woodland area created in the mid-1990s with a dense, but diverse range of native tree species planted (see Table 6). Homerton Road has some fine mature Ash and Water Poplars bordering it. The Lee Navigation has a fine row of London Plane (planted probably over a hundred years ago). Scrub and new hedgerow-type plantings are also present, with a number of mown pathways. The herbaceous plants tend towards a rather ‘weedy’ flora, many of which – ie Creeping Thistle, Black Horehound, Yarrow, Nettle

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Hedge Garlic, various grasses – are either good nectar sources, or good insect (particularly butterfly) food plants. Cleavers (Galium aparine) is a very dominant weed in this area. The local and notable Danewort (Sambucus ebulus) is also present.

Danewort (photograph copyright M.W. Hanson)

Further survey work

I suspect that Wick Woodland over the years will develop a particularly interesting and probably diverse moth fauna, due to the diversity of tree species found here. From a biological point of view, it would be useful to monitor this.

Management

It could be argued that Wick Woodland has become rather too densely overgrown with planted trees and that possibly some consideration should be given to thinning-out some areas to create, at least in small areas, a more open park-like aspect.

Selective removal of some trees that are prevalent here would not diminish the diversity of tree species on site. As it stands the wood is, in my opinion, not that attractive as a recreational resource because of this density. In other places, small stands of ‘coppice with standards’ could be created to mimic the conditions found in ancient woodland. The sometimes narrow paths in this area I suggest could be widened with ‘bays’ cut in them to create different sward heights – good for various butterfly species. Grassland adjacent to the Lee Navigation should be managed as such by being cut just once or twice per year and leaving some areas of developing scrub and grass stems for over-wintering habitat.

18. Arena Field

Arena Field was visited on 26 May and was found to be a raised, bare area of ground awaiting landscaping, as part of the re-development of the site for sport and recreation. As such, access was not permissible. It is worth noting that four mature pollard Ash trees on the road side were retained and that the re-development would not only include 2 x Senior Football, 2 x Junior Football, 1 x Cricket Table, but a landscaping scheme with tree planting had also been devised. Current features, such as the bare ground, are likely to produce interesting weed records in 2005 and would probably be worth recording.

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19. Mabley Green

A small square of grassland surrounded by over 50 mature Plane Trees. The area has two football pitches (grass) and two fenced courts (1 x artificial and 1 x redgra).

On the A12 side there are a number of planted trees, including Service (Sorbus latifolia), Narrow-leaved Ash and Italian Alder. Some 34 species of higher plant (Table 11) were recorded in the grassland here, mostly typical weedy grassland species. Buckshorn Plantain (Plantago coronopus) was recorded on the redgra court.

Management

The grassland is currently mown for football. However, some grass was allowed to grow uncut until later on in 2004, the gang-mower seemingly having some difficulty in cutting the longer sward (a rotary cutting deck would possibly be a more appropriate management tool).

I would suggest that only the western-most (A12) part of the site is managed for its wildlife interest, the football pitches and eastern side managed for amenity/recreation. More specimen trees could be planted on the western side, creating again a more park-like vista with perhaps belts of shrubs immediately by the A12. The grassland here could be managed less intensively to create better conditions for plants and invertebrates.

20. Wick Road Triangle

This site, at a very busy road intersection, was a shock and a surprise. I was shocked at the amount of litter present – hundreds upon hundreds of dismantled and discarded bike components (wheels, frames and tyres) plus numerous plastic bags and some discarded food items in the hidden densely wooded area.

I was surprised, however, at the wildlife interest (actual and potential) this site had. Mature trees and shrubs (dominated by Grey Poplar) but also including Plane, Holm Oak, Ash, Norway Maple, Field Maple, Cherry Laurel, Gean, Common Hawthorn Blackthorn and Guelder Rose were present and although probably planted there, was a fairly good quality grassland component in the grassed area (which is, however, being encroached upon by a huge bramble patch). Species in the grassland included Lady’s Bedstraw, Meadow Barley, Ox-eye Daisy, several clovers and vetches (including Vicia hirsuta and V. sepium), numerous grasses and Wild Clematis (Clematis vitalba).

Management

Currently there seems to be little or no management of this site. A first task would be to clear the litter; the grassland needs to be cut to encourage species such as Lady’s Bedstraw. The huge bramble patch needs to be kept in check – it was, however, covered in Bumble Bees when I visited and the Wick Triangle may be an important nesting and foraging site for this group. Trees need to be thinned to make it more attractive to visitors (and less attractive to the bike dismantlers). Public access could also be significantly improved.

21. White Hart, Morris and Weeks Fields

Area 21 proved to be the most interesting and outstanding wildlife site within the Hackney Marshes complex. The area now comprises a brownfield site that straddles the River Lea and divides into Area 21 East and West. Area 21 is a classic brownfield site, situated as it is in the lower Lee Valley. The area typically has low rainfall, high summer sunshine levels and periods of summer drought. Such climatic conditions, when combined with an often mineral-deficient substrate, creates a sparsely vegetated

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 71 landscape with bare patches of ground which warms-up quickly, which is ideal for many invertebrates (notably bees and wasps) and is also good for a diversity of less competitive plant species. A total of 204 invertebrate species were recorded, with 6 Red Data Book and 17 nationally notable taxa.

Area 21 (E) was another very productive invertebrate site with 168 species being recorded, including 4 Red Data Book species and 16 nationally notable. The scarce bumblebee Bombus humilis, being a UK BAP species, was also of special interest and its needs should be taken into account both in this and other areas. Probably the two most spectacular invertebrates recorded were the two chafer beetles, the magnificent Cetonia aurata found here in some numbers between May and July and the extremely rare wasp-mimicing Trichius zonatus, known from only a handful of sites in southern Britain. Two specimens of the latter were recorded and may indicate a possible breeding site for this species.

Area 21 (east) (photograph copyright M.W. Hanson)

Sites such as area 21 can take many years to become overgrown, sometimes even decades. Area 21 (W) is at an earlier stage than area 21 (E). Over the years there is a small accumulation of organic matter on site, which eventually does permit the establishment of shrubs and eventually trees, noticeable now on area 21 (E). Area 21 (W) recorded some 81 species of classic brownfield site invertebrates, including the sizeable black and red sand wasp Ammophila sabulosa and the rare Tachinid fly Catharosia pygmaea (known from Britain only since 1996). Late summer sees the site seething with possibly hundreds of grasshoppers.

Area 21 (west) (photograph copyright M.W. Hanson)

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Further Survey Work

Area 21 (E & W) is supremely rich in invertebrates (over 200 species recorded). It would be useful to undertake further survey work to fully record the site (it may be a site of importance in the London context). The chafer Trichius zonatus is an extremely rare beetle and it would therefore be useful to confirm if an established breeding population was present.

Management

The recognition of the importance of brownfield sites to nature conservation has only relatively recently been recognised. Management depends on methods that mimic the processes that have helped them to develop the features that support their associated species – mineral-deficient soils, drought-stress, lack of cutting and periodic disturbance to maintain open flower-rich conditions.

All that is needed is that every four or five years small areas are scraped clear of vegetation using a compact mini-digger with a blade and ditching bucket to impede the regeneration process, leaving the scraped material piled-up in situ. Access into the bunded area 21 (E) with such a vehicle would need to be created with approval from borough engineers.

We feel that the lack of excessive human disturbance in area 21 (E) has been a positive benefit for the wildlife, but that visiting the site would reap long-term educational benefits. People do tend to regard such sites as ‘waste ground’, without realising their nature conservation significance and the contribution they make to London’s biodiversity. The previous Management Plan recommended tree-planting on these sites. However, we feel it is imperative that this is resisted, since covering the site with trees will drastically diminish their biodiversity.

Part of area 21 (W) was actually scraped ‘clean’ of all its wildlife interest during the course of 2004 and road repair materials and containers installed on site. It is to be hoped that once work ceases, the site will be vacated and left once again to be slowly re-colonised by plants and animals.

22. Daubeney Field

The importance of this site lies in its immediate proximity to a dense housing concentration. It also houses a sizeable adventure playground and historically an old cast iron London County Council boundary marker (at TQ 36184 85682). It is a well-used public recreation area, but has suffered vandalism and small vehicle and rubbish dumping.

As the main Hackney Marsh area, the trees and shrubs tend to be peripheral to the site. A fair selection of native trees are present, including English Oak, Ash, White Willow, Crack Willow, Hornbeam, Aspen and Holly. In places Grey Poplar is dominant. Many of these tree species would have been planted as would-be species, such as the Narrow-leaved Ash, Cherry Laurel, Plum, Silver Maple and Italian Alder. The higher plants tend to be those typical of weedy grassland and disturbed ground, but nonetheless, 43 species of herbaceous plant were noted among them. These included the usual Nettle, Goosegrass, Wall Barley, Creeping Thistle, Shepherds Purse and Annual Meadow Grass, as well as the less frequently encountered species on Hackney Marsh itself, such as Crested Dogs-tail Grass, Golden Oat-grass and Field Poppy. I was also quite surprised to record the woodland plants Pendulous Sedge and Herb Robert here.

Management

It was felt that the main management focus should be towards enhancing this small park site for visitors. Litter and larger items of rubbish are obviously a persistent problem here. The entrance to the site is also

Hackney Marshes wildlife survey and management plan 2004 73 not signposted and looks rather run-down, with dumped rubbish and rubble. The grassland is not that interesting for wildlife and it would probably be easier to maintain it for amenity, rather than its limited wildlife value. The existing diversity of peripheral trees and shrubs is good for wildlife (ie moths) but could be enhanced by further planting of one or two specimen trees.

23. Millfields Scrub

An area of recently-planted coarse grassland adjacent to the Lee Navigation.

Management

Maintain the young trees.

24. Miscellaneous Areas (including Princess of Wales Scrub, Millfields Dock, Woodland adjacent to electricity station)

Scrub and coarse grassland with semi-mature and young trees.

Management

Maintain the young trees, maintain open grassy areas.

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TREE PLANTING AT HACKNEY MARSHES

Although many of the recent tree planting schemes have been very successful and have made a significant contribution to the present and indeed the future conservation value of the Marshes, there is limited scope for further plantings on the periphery of the area. It has already been noted that there are proposed and actual plantings for areas such as 7, 9 and 21, which we would consider as being highly detrimental to the survival of the existing unique and rare invertebrate fauna.

It was also felt that some of the planting schemes lacked a sense of order, particularly in the vicinity of the depot (area 16). There is also a feeling that the Marshes in fact are used by a minority of Hackney residents and in order to appeal to a wider audience and to make the marshes a more attractive place to visit that a more focused planting scheme was needed. Towards this end the scheme shown on Map 2 is suggested. It consists of a grove of cherry trees near the depot designed to catch the spring flowering of a variety of these trees (with various flowering times) rather like the cherry gardens of Korea and Japan.

A further possibility would be a series of avenues across the marshes which would divide the playing field area into possibly named sectors. The trees would consist of species such as Horse Chestnut, London Plane or even Water Poplars should the threat of Poplar Scab diminish. The trees in addition to being eventually a magnificent avenue would add wildlife interest, and would potentially be a great visitor attraction. On a practical level they could act as wind-breaks across the marshes during football matches. A tarmac path would provide significant access for those with impaired mobility and in summer a shady retreat for visitors. Such an avenue would probably necessitate the re-alignment of some football pitches but would perhaps make a more efficient use of the Marshes in the summer when no football was being played.

Map 2. Proposed tree plantings at Hackney Marshes

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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2004 HACKNEY MARSHES SURVEY

1. The discovery that area 21 (East and West) had very significant floristic and invertebrate biodiversity. 2. That the native Black Poplar (=Water Poplar) population found along the banks of the River Lea, is almost certainly the largest in the London area 3. The rare fly Myennis octopunctata associated with poplar wood and known from only a handful of records in the UK, in the last fifty years was found on the wood-pile in the parks depot car park. 4. The quite spectacular metallic green chafer Cetonia aurata, although apparently not a rare species in the UK, turned-up in some numbers in area 21 (E). It was a species that none of the entomologists had seen before. 5. Similarly another chafer Trichius zonatus was also recorded from area 21 (E). This is known to be an extreme rarity in southern England. 6. The two equally rare Tachinid flies Catharosia pygmaea and Clytomyia continua, both classic species of brownfield sites, were recorded. 7. The importance of the old Crack Willows growing along the River Lea, recognised as an important site for mosses. This included a single record of the moss Orthotrichum tenellum, new to the old vice- county of Middlesex (VC21). 8. The finding of 26 lichen taxa on site, indicating further improvement in the decreasing levels of Sulphur dioxide pollution and the discovery of re-colonising lichens that would probably have been unimaginable twenty years ago. 9. The discovery of the scarce bumblebee Bombus humilis (the Brown-banded Carder Bee) from areas 6 and 21 (E). This is a UK BAP species that tends to occur only in sites with large areas of suitable habitat.

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FUTURE SURVEYS – HACKNEY MARSHES

During the course of Field-work, it was felt that Hackney Marshes would benefit from further survey work, perhaps ultimately leading up to a published volume about its history and wildlife. Surveys we felt would be useful to undertake would be:

1. A survey over several years of the moth fauna, possibly undertaken by a knowledgeable amateur, rather than a ‘paid for’ consultant.

2. A survey of the Odonata (Dragonflies and Damselflies) perhaps in conjunction with the adjacent ‘Waterworks’ site. There may be some notable species present.

3. A survey is recommended to find out more about the important population of Bombus humilis on Hackney Marshes and identify nesting locations, followed by monitoring in association with efforts to increase suitable habitat. This would help the local authority to fulfil its obligations to the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

4. A survey of the River Lea and Lea Navigation for their aquatic plants and other wildlife.

5. A survey of the mammals, in particular a ‘Longworth’ survey of the small mammal population would be very useful.

6. A special one-off bat survey would be appropriate. Hackney Marsh, with its numerous trees, river and plentiful roost and breeding sites - plus the adjacent Middlesex and Essex Waterworks – could hold an important population of bats.

7. A survey of the Salicaceae and their associated fauna (and epiphytic flora ie mosses and lichens which have already been studied).

8. A long term survey of the Wick Woodland site (area 17) to monitor year-on-year the wildlife and the impact of management actions on the site.

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EAST MARSH and its proposed development as part of London’s bid to hold the Olympics in 2012

East Marsh (areas 3 and 4) under the development proposals for London’s bid to hold the Olympics in 2012 is set to become a coach parking site for up to 400 coaches. The entire Olympic plan has now (January 2005) been granted detailed planning permission by the Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott. Inevitably this would displace a number of football teams and importantly from the point of view of this plan the proposals include the destruction of about fifty mature, plus many semi-mature, trees. The plan would also involve the destruction of the recently planted Spitalfields Scrub. A particularly grievous loss would be the removal of a number of mature Ash trees along Ruckholt Road and mature Poplars. The survey team looked at the invertebrate population on East Marsh but despite recognising the importance of the riverbank and Spitalfields Scrub as a good nectar resource for a variety of insects only one notable invertebrate was found – the rare spider Textrix denticulata, otherwise only recorded in Essex and East London from nearby Temple Mills. We were however very much concerned about the effects of this and other associated developments on the nearby area 21 brownfield site on the opposite side of Ruckholt Road. As already noted in the plan this is an outstanding wildlife site and makes a significant contribution to the biodiversity and conservation interest of Hackney Marshes. At this site over 204 species of invertebrate were recorded, (including 6 Red Data Book and 17 Nationally Scarce) as well as the spectacular but local Rose Chafer (Cetonia aurata), its much rarer relative Trichius zonatus and the UK BAP species, the Brown-banded Carder bee. The loss or major damage to this site would significantly diminish the conservation value of the Marshes.

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