THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE SUSTAINABILITY MAGAZINE Number 42 • 2013 Restoring open habitats on heathland at Lulworth Ranges New solar farms will save energy and cut bills for DIO The importance of Plain puddles created by military training on SPTA Conservation Group Editor Iain Perkins Clare Backman Photography Competition Designed by Aspire Defence Services Ltd Multi Media Centre Editorial Board Julia Powell (Chair) Pippa Morrison Giles Rowe Editorial Contact Defence Infrastructure Organisation Building 97A Land Warfare Centre Warminster Wiltshire BA12 0DJ Email: [email protected] Tel: 01985 222934 Cover image credit Dartford warbler © Geoff Jones Back cover image credit Frosty morning at Porton Down © Mark Whitehouse Sanctuary is an annual publication about sustainable development in Elephant seal at Kelp Point © Roy Smith the Ministry of Defence (MOD), and the sustainable management of As the new editor of Sanctuary, I would Jones, a member of the Browndown the natural and built assets across like to thank Clare Backman (previous Conservation Group and fully deserves editor and Conservation Group Team the pride of place on the front cover of the Defence estate. It illustrates leader) on behalf of the MOD this years Sanctuary. how the MOD is undertaking its Conservation Groups for her invaluable responsibility for stewardship of support and enthusiasm for The runner up, which can be seen on the estate in the UK and overseas. conservation and wider stainability the back cover, was a frosty morning at It is designed for a wide audience, across the MOD estate. Porton Down captured by Mark from the general public, to the Whitehouse, from Porton Down people who work for us or This is the fourth year of the MOD Conservation Group. volunteer as members of the MOD Conservation Group photographic competition and yet again we have had Conservation Groups. Highly commended was the an excellent response with many photograph above of an elephant seal, Sanctuary is produced for the MOD wonderful and interesting photos. The taken by Roy Smith from HQ British by the Defence Infrastructure Sanctuary board and independent Forces South Atlantic Islands judge, professional photographer David Organisation. Conservation Group. Kjaer (www.davidkjaer.com), faced a Sanctuary has been printed by difficult dilemma but decided on a This year’s competition has been a the kind sponsorship of the superb photograph of a Dartford great success and we shall be running warbler as the overall winner. The Industry Partners below: the competition again next year, so beautiful image was taken by Geoff keep your cameras at the ready!
Sanctuary 42 • 2013 FOREWORD
Foreword by Andrew Manley Chief Executive Defence Infrastructure Organisation
Welcome to the 42nd edition of Sanctuary, which continues to highlight the MOD’s commitment to stewardship of the Defence estate and sustainably managing Defence activities. This year marks a particular demonstration of this, as it is the 40th anniversary of the MOD employing a Conservation Officer - Lt Col (Retd) Norman Claydon was originally appointed to the role in Aldershot in 1973.
DIO enables Defence personnel to live, work and train, and is continuing on the journey to becoming a world class, sustainable infrastructure provider. This year we have launched our Enhanced Operating Model, and we are now looking forward to the future with the introduction of the next generation of estate contracts.
Andrew Manley, Chief Executive Defence Infrastructure Organisation DIO is introducing new technology to help © Crown us manage the estate more effectively, so I was particularly pleased to see this year’s Conservation Groups make in conserving Silver Otter award go to a project that is this unique estate. I am continually using technology to protect species. The appreciative of the expertise and dedication winners of the energy awards reflect some of of our DIO staff who work closely with our the initiatives being undertaken by individuals, military colleagues to protect important teams and our Industry Partners in order to wildlife and heritage as well as delivering the achieve significant and enduring running cost Defence requirements. savings and the Greening Government 25% carbon reduction by 2015. Congratulations to Finally, my thanks to the editor who has all the award winners. produced an excellent edition, as well as our industry partners for their generous I am very impressed with the excellent entries sponsorship. Enjoy the magazine. for this year’s photography competition for the front cover image. The winning image shows a wonderful Dartford warbler.
I read with great interest the reports from around the regions, which highlights the valuable and diverse contribution our
Sanctuary 42 • 2013 1 CONTENTS
FOREWORD 1 AROUND THE REGIONS 59
Spotlight on… THE SANCTUARY AWARDS 3 MOD Pendine, Camarthenshire 60 RAF Valley, Anglesey 62 RAF Halton, Buckinghamshire 63 THE ENERGY AWARDS 7 Air Weapons Range Pembrey, Camarthenshire 64
Ballykinler, County Down 65 FEATURES Magilligan, County Londonderry 67 Forward Deploying Utilities Management 9 Lympstone, Devon 68 RAF Fylingdales celebrates its golden anniversary 10 Bovington and Lulworth, Dorset 69 Keeping our beaches shipshape 12 Colchester, Essex 70 RAF Darkdale shipwrecked tanker in St Helena 13 MOD Shoeburyness, Essex 71 Removal of man-made reservoirs Senne Training 14 Area Germany MDP HQ Wethersfield, Essex 72 New Sealand Access Route proves great success 16 RAF Leuchars, Fife 73 Hazel dormice at Bicester 18 DIO Ops Training Home Counties, 74 Hampshire The National Army Museum 20 HMS Excellent, Whale Island, Hampshire 77 The importance of Plain puddles 21 Newtown Range and Jersey Camp, Isle of Wight 78 MODern Housing Solutions adds value to Didcot 22 community garden DIO Ops Training South East, 79 Kent and East Sussex Summer distribution of the ghost crab in Cyprus 24 Air Weapons Range Donna Nook, Lincolnshire 80 Mountain Rescue Search Dogs training at Garelochhead 26 Training Camp Air Weapons Range Holbeach, Lincolnshire 81 Newtown Rifle Range and Training Area Osprey Project 28 Altcar Training Camp, Merseyside 82 When wildlife meets the military, both benefit 30 Caerwent, Monmouthshire 83 Veteranisation of trees - Planning for the preservation of rich 32 Stanford Training Area, Norfolk 84 habitats whilst maintaining a safer environment Otterburn, Northumberland 85 Workhouse Archaeological Excavation Churchend Village, 34 Castlemartin, Pembrokeshire 87 Foulness Island RNAS Merryfield, Somerset 88 New solar farms will save energy and cut bills for DIO 37 RAF Lakenheath, Suffolk 89 Sustainability at the heart of a state-of-the-art PRIDE 38 development Pippingford Park, East Sussex 90 Restoring open habitats on the Defence estate: Heathland 40 Thorney Island, West Sussex 91 at Lulworth Ranges Bulford, Wiltshire 92 The RAF Scampton Heritage Centre re-opens 42 Imber, Wiltshire 93 Carbon Target zero 44 Larkhill and Westdown, Wiltshire 94 Safeguarding Britain’s endangered White-clawed crayfish 45 Winterbourne Gunner, Wiltshire 95 ‘Cannon to Right of them, Cannon to Left of them’ 46 Historic Range targets on Salisbury Plain DST Leconfield Carrs, East Yorkshire 96 Pond Conservation Flagship pond projects 48 Catterick, North Yorkshire 97 Carbon savings in action RNAS Culdrose runways 50 Ripon Parks, North Yorkshire 98 Bare peat restoration on Warcop Military Range 52 Sovereign Base Areas, Cyprus 100 Expedition Painted Shrimp Ascension Island 54 British Forces Gibraltar, Gibraltar 101 QinetiQ goes Passive at MOD Aberporth 55 British Forces South Atlantic Islands, Falklands 102 Green light for continued military training on Camber 56 Training Area, Dartmoor MOD supports Coronation Meadows 58 CONTACTS 103
2 Sanctuary 42 • 2013 THE SANCTUARY AWARDS
The Sanctuary Award Board The Sanctuary Awards The Sanctuary Award Board for The Ministry of Defence (MOD) prestigious Sanctuary Awards recognises 2013 was made up of Defence Infrastructure Organisation: Julia and encourages group and individual efforts that benefit sustainable Powell, Deputy Head (Policy), development, wildlife, archaeology, environmental improvement or Jane Hallett, Assistant Head community awareness of conservation on or within land and property (Estates Policy), Alan Mayes, that the MOD owns or uses in the UK or overseas. Deputy Head (Secretariat), Pippa Morrison, Assistant Head The 2013 Awards were divided into four categories: Environmental (SD Policy), Giles Rowe, Principal Project, Heritage Project, Sustainability Project and Individual Environmental Advisor and Achievement. The winners of each category were considered for an from the Joint Nature Conservation Council Paul Rose, overall winner who receives the coveted Silver Otter for one year. Director of Evidence and Advice, who acted as external judge.
Environmental Projects AWARD WINNER SILVER OTTER WINNER Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) Project
Aberporth range head © Crown
In 2011, a bespoke system was product that would be placed in a very designed and launched at the QinetiQ hostile environment with a very real risk managed site, MOD Aberporth. Located of damage or loss. It also had to be in Cardigan Bay, a Special Area of capable of being operated from the Conservation (SAC), which is Range headland, which is in excess of particularly important for marine 20 miles from the target area! Since its mammals. The new system improves first deployment, the system has the sites ability to monitor trials and operated successfully, enabling QinetiQ halt activity when marine mammals are to play an even more active role in detected in the vicinity. Martin Pope, marine conservation, while at the same an engineer from Surface Target time delivering essential test and Solutions (STS), along with a small team evaluation services to the UK MOD. of QinetiQ employees, designed and tailored the system specifically to meet Read more about this project on the needs of the Range. The aim was to page 55. produce a cost-effective and robust Bottlenose dolphin © Crown
Sanctuary 42 • 2013 3 THE SANCTUARY AWARDS
Environmental Projects AWARD runner up Removal of Sea Buckthorn at Pembrey Sand Dunes
Pembrey Sands Air Weapons Range is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is situated in South Wales where the sand dunes have been invaded by sea buckthorn Hippothae rhamnoides. This has altered the habitat by suppressing low growing plants and fixing atmospheric nitrogen into the soil and over time, the dune system’s plant community changes to an ‘unfavourable condition’.
Since 2007, 29,000 m2 of sea buckthorn have been cleared. By working in stages, with each stage assessed to improve methods, it was decided to use a mechanical grab to lift individual plants out; maintaining the contours of the dunes and leaving other native plants undisturbed.
Guided tours are organised to share good practice with local conservationists and these methods are to be utilised on other MOD sites. Results from the second phase of clearance © Crown
Heritage Projects AWARD WINNER External Refurbishment of Former Army Staff College
taken to insulate the replaced flat roofs. Internally, the top floor has been refurbished to provide 27 rooms for single living accommodation, 11 with en-suite shower rooms.
The building was provided with a complex over-roof to allow construction work to proceed over two winters uninterrupted by bad weather, allowing the offices within the building to remain occupied. Specialists came from far and wide to see the unusual buttressed scaffold during the project.
Refurbished former Army Staff College © Crown
The Staff College within the RMAS However, by the end of the 20th campus at Camberley was built century, the building’s exterior had following pressure in the mid 19th deteriorated significantly. century to reform the British Army and to invest in officer training. The architect Comprehensive work has now been Sir James Pennethorne was commissioned carried out, and in many instances to design the building in 1857, and using traditional methods and recycled construction was completed in 1862. materials. The opportunity was also Aerial view © Crown
4 Sanctuary 42 • 2013 THE SANCTUARY AWARDS
Heritage Projects AWARD runner up Bodmin Keep Project
Bodmin Keep is a Grade ll Listed The project replaced the inferior slates Building, part of the former Duke of with natural slate, incorporating Cornwall Light Infantry Barracks and traditional detailing and leadwork. It now houses the Rifles Museum. It is an was also possible to include roof impressive local landmark in the town, insulation, improving the energy constructed to represent a French performance and creating a more Chateaux but in the past had been usable space within the attic. Bats were unsympathetically re-roofed using also accommodated with the formation asbestos cement slates. The roof of access points and bat roosts. covering had failed with slipped Ultimately the project has contributed slates causing a hazard to the public to the preservation of an important and water leaks damaging the historic building for the use and building fabric. enjoyment of future generations. Bodmin Keep completed © Crown
SUSTAINABILITY AWARD WINNER Sustainable Mattresses
Aspire Defence Services Limited (ADSL) suppliers to develop a new solution. provides a total Facilities Management All old mattresses are returned to the (FM) service to the MOD on Project supplier who removes and recycles Allenby/Connaught. As part of their fabrics and reuses the steel springs. This Sustainability Strategy they have dramatically reduces waste and energy developed a process for assessing the whilst supporting a social enterprise social, environmental and economic which specialises in supporting impacts of the goods and services they disabled people into work. The buy and this has been used to find a sustainable procurement approach is more sustainable way of managing the standard practice for ADSL and other 18,000 mattresses under their control. examples of its continued application include procurement of stationery After reviewing the issues associated supplies and grounds maintenance and with mattresses (waste, energy and waste management contracts. Mattress refurbishment © ADSL labour conditions) they engaged with
SUSTAINABILITY AWARD runner up Sealand Range Dual Purpose Path
For twenty years there has been a the RSPB, with the project finally residents and will improve opportunities desire to create free public access successfully moving forward. for cycling and walking in this area.” through Sealand Range, connecting local populations to work and leisure Land and visitor management issues Read more about this project on opportunities in and around Chester were over come with the creation of page 16. and Shotton. approximately 1.5 km of new route and extensive improvements to Whilst the MOD has always been willing existing tracks. to consider a route, attempts to fulfil this demand have struggled to meet Cllr Bernie Attridge, Deputy Leader of the requirements of all landowners. Flintshire County Council and Cabinet Member for Environment, said: In 2011, DIO began working with the “This traffic free route will provide charity SUSTRANS, Flintshire Council, increased accessibility for employees on Cheshire and Chester West Council and the Deeside Industrial Park as well as local New path in use © Crown
Sanctuary 42 • 2013 5 THE SANCTUARY AWARDS
INDIVIDUAL AWARD WINNER Rosalind Gourgey
Rosalind also negotiated a site for a kitchen garden, for which Army residents constructed an attractive picket fence from recycled pallets and now relax with their families growing their own vegetables.
Park Wood, a remaining fragment of ancient woodland achieved Local Wildlife Site Status. Footpaths for site staff and residents, wood piles and nest boxes for birds and invertebrates have been installed. Wildlife monitoring Rosalind Gourgey © Arnold Slater continues to ensure that threatened species are protected. Rosalind Gourgey, Sustainability Manager for the Ministry of Defence Rosalind was instrumental in building a Police (MDP) Headquarters successful relationship with the Wethersfield, has led a number of Woodland Trust, DIO and Forestry successful projects. A redundant Commission, culminating in the building was converted into a thriving planting of the only Diamond Jubilee Family and Sustainability Centre where Wood in Essex. Local schoolchildren the Army’s local mother and toddlers’ joined villagers and staff to plant group, many with family members 1,000 trees in the new 79 hectare native woodland. deployed overseas, now meets regularly, with a place Read more about Rosalind Gourgey’s Rosalind planting up the Diamond Jubilee Wood to socialise. work on page 72 © Crown
INDIVIDUAL AWARD runner up Dave Curtis
Ballykinler Training Centre has improved which is key to managing the from ‘unfavourable’ to ‘recovering due dune vegetation. to management change’. The reputation of MOD amongst this The Magilligan dune system is the stakeholder community has been most intensively studied coastal considerably enhanced by the work accumulation site in Ireland and done by Dave Curtis. This work was so amongst the top such localities effective that it prompted Northern in Europe. Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) to change the way they assess the There are no DIO ecologists based in condition of ASSIs and they are now Northern Ireland and since 2007 Dave citing MOD, DIO Ops Training NI as a Dave surveying the estate © Crown Curtis has taken on the additional model for other major landowners in responsibility of utilising DIO funding Northern Ireland to follow in the way Dave Curtis is a member of the DIO and working with term contractors to they deliver ASSI management. Northern Ireland Estate Management carry out specific tasks over very large Team and has been responsible for areas such as fencing and water A number of key development projects delivering a wide range of tasks to supplies for livestock, and controlling such as a new Vehicle Firing Point have manage the 1,211ha of the DIO Ops sea buckthorn, bracken, ragwort and been delivered in the last two years Training NI designated as Areas of rabbits. He has worked closely with following statutory appraisals and these Special Scientific Interest (ASSIs). The farmers to provide grazing have been progressed quickly thanks condition of the ASSI features at both infrastructure and maximise the areas to a strong and positive relationship Magilligan Training Centre and available for conservation grazing, with NIEA.
6 Sanctuary 42 • 2013 THE ENERGY AWARDS
The MOD Energy Awards Over the past two years £57m has been invested to improve the energy efficiency of the Defence estate, reduce running costs and drive down carbon emissions in support of the Greening Government target to reduce estate-related carbon emissions by 25% by 2015, some 245,673tCO2. This investment is being delivered through the Energy Spend-to-Save Programme and the introduction of the Strategic Energy Management Services (SEMS), which since 2011 have delivered some 900 energy efficiency projects, cost savings of £26.2m and carbon savings of 149,055tCO2 - equivalent of the emissions from 65,000 family homes. The programme is now well into the third year that will see a further investment of £55m and enduring savings of £70m. However, behind this great investment programme there is an even greater band of energetic individuals and teams from across MOD and our Industry Partners. Without their hard work and dedication the successful delivery of such a programme and the savings achieved to date would not have been possible. The 2013 MOD Energy Awards recognise some of these teams and individuals.
Team Energy Award WINNER PRIDE Energy Team example, the lighting upgrade of four hangars at RAF Benson, one of the busiest front line support helicopter bases, has transformed the previously dark orange working environment to ‘daylight’ conditions increasing visibility and improving safety and security. The existing high bay yellow SON 400w lamps have been replaced with Gentlespace luminaire, a highly efficient LED technology that provides energy savings of at least 30%. Following positive feedback from the users of the hangars the technology is being rolled RAF Benson after © Crown out to the remaining three hangars at the base and at the Army Air Corps at The PRIDE Energy team has been The team identified the benefits of Middle Wallop during 2013. instrumental in ensuring the South East working in partnership with Philips to region has made significant cost and install the latest in lighting technology The team’s commitment and effort to carbon savings during 2012/13 by solutions that provide enduring energy ensure all stakeholders were supportive delivering a large scale LED lighting and maintenance savings holistically of the lighting programme aims has programme across 100 sites and nearly across the South East estate. The team resulted in impressive savings of some 6,000 buildings. were proactive in their engagement £2m and 9,000tCO2 for 2012/13 alone. with local site teams and organised Team members Peter Smith, Energy workshops and demonstrations to and Sustainability Director; Eunice explain the benefits to be gained Mabey, Energy and Environment from the new technology, not just Manager; Gareth Pryce, Project energy savings but also enhanced Manager; and Martin Ayling, working environments. Commercial Manager, quickly identified that collaborative working with all The team delivered tailored lighting stakeholders would be key to ensuring schemes at sites that are sensitive to the successful and quick delivery of operational needs of particular the £5.4m lighting programme buildings and deliver savings without across the estate that has unique compromising on light quality, in fact lighting requirements. often improving the lighting levels. For RAF Benson before © Crown
Sanctuary 42 • 2013 7 THE ENERGY AWARDS
Team Energy Award runner up HMS Gannet Working as part of the wider RPC Scotland Energy Team and the Strategic Energy Management Service (SEMS) for the region, Robin Scott, Energy Management Technician, Turner Estate Solutions Ltd; Lynn Lydon, SHEFA; and Ian Bogan, Building Control Officer, the core energy team at HMS Gannet have ensured the site has reduced fossil fuel and electricity costs by an impressive 50% by 2013 and saved 560tCO2.
This massive saving at the site, home of the Search and Rescue Flight and one of Britain’s busiest rescuers, is down to the dedication and commitment of the team who ensured the local delivery of the SEMS and the awareness campaigns, which at first were met with resistance. The determination of the team to L-R Robin Scott, Energy Management Technician Turners Estate Solutions; Lynn Lydon, HMS Gannet SHEFA; Ian implement initiatives such as Bogan, HMS Gannet Building Control Officer © Turner Estate Solutions Ltd temperature set point reductions and site meant this initial resistance was sets’ and encourage energy efficient time clock adjustments to reflect overcome and energy improvements behaviours at the site have ultimately building occupancy levels; removal of accepted by all at site. been rewarding having made energy portable heating appliances; and cost savings of £157k. Their best regular communication and Although often challenging the team’s practice has also been shared with engagement with key personnel at the communication efforts to change ‘mind other sites across the region.
Individual Energy Award WINNER Stuart Martin
Without a doubt the impressive Stuart identified that building strong performance of RPC Scotland since collaborative relationships with sites 2011 to reduce energy costs by 21%, was key in being able to change despite longer and colder winters behaviours and working practices to across the region, is down to the drive down energy usage. He used leadership and dedication of Stuart training forums, email campaigns and Martin, Energy Engineer for Turners displays to raise awareness to Estate Solutions Ltd. encourage individuals to make simple changes to help reduce energy use Stuart led the RPC Scotland Energy across the region and enhance team in the delivery of the energy and support the technological spend to save investment and the initiatives such as Building Energy Strategic Energy Management Service Management controls. (SEMS) and worked tirelessly to ensure cost and carbon reductions were Stuart has also been a key contributor continually made. Overcoming delivery, to the MOD-wide Energy Programme behavioural and awareness barriers Working Group and is always willing to Stuart’s dedication and commitment share and seek out best practice across has ensured £2.6m and 13,718tCO2 contracting boundaries. have been saved, exceeding the Stuart Martin © Turner Estate Solutions Ltd predicted savings targets.
8 Sanctuary 42 • 2013 FEATURES
Forward Deploying Utilities Management people to ensure utilities plans are developed and, more importantly, implemented and sustained. The AUMs will assist in helping to identify project opportunities, provide utility advice, promulgate and support behavioural change communications and initiatives. While the AUMs will have a role in assisting a site to reduce consumption, successful delivery of a site utilities plan will depend on all stakeholders playing their part to make real changes to utilities consumption across the Defence estate.
A key part of the AUM capability will be the sharing of knowledge and expertise, supported by the wider utilities team who will provide the strategic and policy direction. Individual AUMs will not be expected to be fully conversant in all aspects of utility management, especially those of a more technical nature. Instead the AUM ‘network’ will develop a wide range of skills that can be shared through advice Martin Rouse, Area Utilities Manager for the Plymouth area, visits HMS Raleigh © Crown giving, training and mentoring within the team. Additionally, a training and collaboratively with a number of site development programme for the AUM Autumn 2013 will see the personnel, including Heads of team is being developed to ensure Establishments, Industry Partners and common competences, skills, introduction of a team of SDA teams, to develop site specific knowledge and expertise are attained approximately 35 Area utilities plans, realistic and achievable by individual AUMs. reduction targets, and utility Utility Managers (AUMs), performance reports. The AUM team are currently being an initiative of the Defence recruited, with a small number of AUMs The utilities plan will set out how a site already taking up the reigns within the Infrastructure Organisation will manage and reduce utility UK, with others to follow from October to drive forward utilities consumption through the identification 2013 onwards. It is early and exciting of all the activities that can affect a days for this new team as it forms and reduction including positive change, such as energy develops the capability, but it is one energy, waste and water efficiency projects or behavioural that will over the forthcoming months change initiatives. The AUMs will also and years have an important role in (within buildings) and work with the relevant Industry Partner helping to reduce and manage the management to support to ensure their Strategic Energy MOD’s utilities consumption, and in Management Services (SEMS) are turn save money and contribute to the the MOD’s commitment to targeted appropriately locally and will achievement of our Greening achieving the Greening work with the SEMS bureau to produce Government targets. performance data that will be shared Government targets. with each site and for corporate For further information about the AUM reporting purposes. team please contact the ODC Utilities Energy Management Lead: Tracy The AUMs are part of the DIO The day-to-day work of an AUM is Buckby – [email protected]. Operations Development and expected to be varied, not least due to Coherency (ODC) Utilities team, and will the nature of the different sites that Rebekah Jones cover the 33 Service Delivery Areas they will be working with. A key aspect Energy Management (SDAs) across the UK and sites on our of the job will be working and ODC Utilities overseas estate. The AUMs will work communicating with a wide group of Defence Infrastructure Organisation
Sanctuary 42 • 2013 9 FEATURES
50 years of Vigilance: RAF Fylingdales celebrates its golden anniversary possible that further features await discovery under the dense covering of heather within the boundary of the base. For instance, during the summer of 2003, a moorland fire to the east of RAF Fylingdales burnt away the underlying peat and revealed a previously unknown landscape containing 4000 year old prehistoric carved rocks and 20th century military training remains.
But, no matter how hard you look, there is one site that cannot be seen. The technical area at RAF Fylingdales was host to one of the most iconic military structures of the Cold War period - the Ballistic Missile Early Warning System or massive ‘Golf Balls’- which dominated the moorland landscape for almost 30 years between 1963 and 1992.
To some people, prehistoric stone circles and Roman forts are true archaeological sites. To others the dark satanic mills of the industrial revolution are the torchbearers of our cultural heritage. But to an increasing number of people the investigation of our military past, looking at how we have defended the nation against threats - actual and perceived - using the 11th March 1963: General view of the tracker area © RAF Fylingdales/Crown technology available at the time, is The Ministry of Defence occupies proving to be a fascinating and RAF Fylingdales is 50 years approximately 230,000ha of land across enlightening field of study. Some sites, the UK in order to support the delivery such as the Martello Towers along the old in September 2013 of defence capabilities. In some parts of southeast coast hark back to and to celebrate its golden the country the functional buildings Napoleonic times, but other sites were constructed on army bases, naval built, used and abandoned within living anniversary the Station dockyards and RAF establishments lie memory, and the iconic ‘Golf Balls’ at Commander, Wing cheek by jowl alongside features of RAF Fylingdales, fall into this category. Commander Owens, and outstanding natural beauty and historic importance. In the 1950s, the MOD owned a larger her staff, are planning a area of Fylingdales moor than at series of events which Such is the case at RAF Fylingdales present which was used for live firing where the keen observer will see that and dry training. The site’s importance will reveal a tantalising lying in close proximity to the base is a was significantly increased in 1959 glimpse of the history and variety of archaeological monuments when the UK and US Governments including Bronze Age burial cairns, selected Fylingdales as the site for the current role of this medieval wayside crosses and the UK component of the Ballistic Missile important RAF base narrow, paved footpaths, or Trods, Early Warning System (BMEWS). Other carefully laid down to assist the traveller sites were at Thule Airbase in Greenland located on the beautiful across the moorland bogs. There are 14 and Clear Air Station, Alaska. These fed and remote North known archaeological sites and information back to computers of buildings within the boundary of RAF North American Defence Command York Moors. Fylingdales with several more close to (NORAD) in the Cheyenne Mountains the site perimeter, but it is entirely in Colarado.
10 Sanctuary 42 • 2013 FEATURES
Construction work on the Tracker site RAF Fylingdales is located in the North began in 1960 and was complete by York Moors National Park and, as such, March 1963, with operations tries to keep its impact on the commencing on 22nd July and formal surrounding environment as low as commissioning on 17th September. As possible. To assist in this, the RAF originally designed, and depending on Fylingdales Conservation Group is the exact launch site, 15-30 minutes chaired by the Station Commander and warning could be given to the eastern includes experts on archaeology, states of the US and between 2½-17 ecology and conservation. The diversity minutes to the British Isles and Western and abundance of flora and fauna all Europe. The advent of new types of fall within the remit of the group, as do weapons and space technology from the sites of archaeological and cultural the late 1970s meant that by the heritage significance on the base and mid-1980s BMEWS was no longer able the surrounding area. to provide sufficient warning of an attack. The modernisation of BMEWS For 50 years, RAF Fylingdales has been was sanctioned by President Reagan in at the cutting edge of tracking 30th May 1962: Construction workers fitting Radome 1982 and in 1986 the British potential missile threats and monitoring panels © RAF Fylingdales/Crown Government announced the upgrading the orbits of space debris. To mark the of RAF Fylingdales and the Solid State 50th anniversary of the base plans are Phased Array (SSPAR) which currently afoot to create an exhibition which stands, was constructed between presents the origins and development 1988-1992. of RAF Fylingdales and the history of the surrounding area. With the aid of In 1968, Fylingdales acquired a objects housed in the base, artefacts secondary role of Space Surveillance, loaned from Whitby Museum, archival enabling it to monitor the activity of photographs and interpretation panels military satellites and to plot the the exhibition aims to explain the location of disused space equipment importance of RAF Fylingdales and the and debris. Currently there are over surrounding area, from prehistory 32,000 items of space debris 10cm and through to the present time. larger which are monitored by the SSPAR at Fylingdales. These range from Phil Abramson satellites the size of the International Archaeology Advisor Decorated boulder of probable late Neolithic date Space Station to a camera, a glove and Defence Infrastructure Organisation (c.2500 BC) from Fylingdales Moor, North York Moors a screwdriver! National Park © Blaise Vyner
28th May 1962: This picture shows how the 1646 honeycomb-shaped sections fit neatly together © RAF Fylingdales/Crown
Sanctuary 42 • 2013 11 FEATURES
Keeping our beaches shipshape
Britannia Royal Naval College Officer Cadets having a well earned rest after a litter picking packed day; Hopes Nose, Torquay in background © Bill Amery
relationships. By giving up a day of their A team of British and International Officer Cadets who are leave and rolling their sleeves up and getting their hands dirty, they have under training at Dartmouth’s Britannia Royal Naval College assisted the local community and become (BRNC) have been tackling beach litter in Torbay and along excellent ambassadors for their countries. some of the South West’s beautiful and scenic beaches and It is a great example of people coming together to help the local environment ?? ©coastal Dave Maidment paths. and keep these picturesque beaches beautiful for the coming seasons. It is definitely a litter picking packed day Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Bill Amery, an The project which is supported by for them”. Instructor at BRNC and local resident, South West Water, the Environment co-ordinates with the Keep Britain Tidy’s Agency, Cornwall Council and Visit Bill Amery Beach Care Project and the local Cornwall has completed over 300 CPO Warfare council, to target specific beaches and beach cleans across Devon and Britannia Royal Naval College coastal paths where litter has built up. Cornwall since April 2010 and surveyed Dartmouth The cadets were taken to the targeted over 37,000 litter items. areas and ‘sweep’ the beaches from one end to the other, removing and Neil Hembrow, Beach Care Project recording the items they find. Coordinator says, “Having the Britannia Royal Naval Cadets involved is fantastic Keep Britain Tidy’s Beach Care Project is and great news for Torbay. They have working with local community groups removed over 120 bags of litter from the throughout Devon and Cornwall in an area over the last 2 years. Being extremely effort to understand beach litter issues, keen and physically fit they are able to campaign against these issues and carry bags and equipment to areas help to keep the stunning South where access would normally be difficult West beaches clean. As well as working due to the terrain, such as Hopes Nose with the cadets at BRNC, the project in Torquay”. has set up successful residents’ beach clean groups in the South West and are CPO Bill Amery said, “These International keen to work with other groups in the Cadets come from all around the world to area who want to help out with their take advantage of the world class training beach. Full training, equipment and delivered at Britannia. It is a great chance support are given to those who want for them to interact with the local to participate. community and build long lasting BRNC cadet in the bush © Bill Amery
12 Sanctuary 42 • 2013 FEATURES
RFA Darkdale shipwrecked tanker in St Helena exploit the shelter provided by the wreck; several are endemic to the island and listed on the threatened species list such as the bastard cavalley pilot and bastard fivefinger. Other species recorded on the wreck such as the cunningfish and bastard cunningfish are only found in the waters of St Helena and Ascension.
Working in such a remote and remarkable place meant that no day was tedious, the long survey days were regularly interrupted by the local wildlife, including pods of pantropical spotted dolphins and bottlenose dolphins. The team also got up-close and personal with a manta ray which was keen to investigate the remotely Bow section of the RFA Darkdale shortly after being torpedoed © Museum of St Helena operated vehicle with which the salvage team were surveying. any, would be needed to prevent the Collection of flora and fauna from the St Helena is one of the shipwrecked tanker from becoming an sea bed found several taxa that have most isolated islands in the environmental hazard. The SALMO not been previously described and are team joined forces with an new to science; these are currently world and is famously environmental advisor from the being looked at by the Natural History known as the island to Defence Infrastructure Organisation Museum. (DIO) to design and carry out an which the British investigation to identify the condition One of the benefits of this survey is that Government exiled of the shipwreck, the amount of oil all the ecological information collected remaining onboard and the potential will be shared with the environmental Napoleon after the Battle environmental risks. department of the St Helena of Waterloo. Government, to assist with their In the spring of 2012, a diverse team ongoing research and monitoring of comprising of marine salvors, an the marine environment within James The island is located in the south archaeologist and environmental/ Bay and assist with the conservation of Atlantic, with the nearest land mass ecological advisers (from the MOD and this valuable area. The results of the being Africa 1,200 miles away. Due to its RPS Group PLC) set off to the island to ecological surveys are currently being isolation, the island has a number of undertake a thorough survey of the used to inform a risk assessment to endemic species and genera, so when ship and collect environmental data identify what further work is needed to the MOD were told that a shipwreck from the area. The environmental protect this ecologically sensitive and located in the main port was leaking oil survey found that the Darkdale has important habitat from damage from it quickly became apparent that this become an important artificial reef in RFA Darkdale. was a high priority issue. James Bay. The wreck is surrounded by maerl beds, an important habitat Kim Brown RFA Darkdale was one of the first ships which, as well as supporting high Natural Environment Advisor sunk south of the equator in WWII. In biodiversity, acts as nursery grounds for Defence Infrastructure Organisation the early hours of the 22nd October juvenile fish. Large populations of fish 1941 she was torpedoed by German U-Boat U68 whilst at anchor, exploding and splitting in two, eventually sinking, sadly with the loss of 41 lives.
The DE&S Salvage and Marine Operations Team (SALMO) are responsible for the legacy wrecks management programme and were tasked with identifying what action, if Photograph from the remotely operated vehicle of a moray eel close to the wreck © Crown
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Removal of man-made reservoirs Senne Training Area Germany
Natural Senne stream © Dr Gerhard Lakmann
These still lakes and ponds were not a and organic material, which, over When the British natural feature of the landscape, many years, had converted into a whereas flowing watercourses over putrid sludge. Forces took over the sandy surfaces are much more management of the characteristic of the Senne. The Senne The Senne Training Area is designated 115 km2 Senne Training Training Area is the source of many as a Fauna, Flora and Habitat (FFH) Area streams, which are the headwaters (equivalent to Special Area of Area in North-Rhine- of the Rivers Ems and Lippe, two of Conservation (SAC)) and a Special Westphalia, Germany, the major rivers in North-West Protection Area for Birds (SPA). The Germany. The Senne streams run Senne streams are a particularly after World War II, there through prominent brook valleys, precious habitat within these areas, as were several reservoirs which, over thousands of years, have their waters are very clean and crystal cut their way through the otherwise clear. The streams provide habitat for located within rather flat landscape. rare birds (kingfisher, black stork, the estate. dipper), rare fish (miller’s thumb or The construction of reservoirs across bullhead, brook lamprey, brown trout), the Senne many decades ago had a dragonflies and damselflies (beautiful These lakes were all man-made by the major impact on the natural flowing demoiselle) and other aquatic insects construction of dams across natural watercourses, resulting in deterioration and water plants. streams and brook valleys. The German of the habitat of indigenous aquatic Army built some of the reservoirs in the species. The dams proved to be an The Training Area is still managed and 1930s for military exercises, whilst insurmountable barrier for these administered by the British Forces, who others served as fish ponds, with the species and several fish became extinct are subsequently liable for the safety largest reservoir measuring 600 metres in the headwaters. Furthermore, the and security of the estate. In 2009, the in length. dams acted as a ‘catch’ for sediments German authorities conducted a
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statutory safety inspection of all reservoirs in the region, which also applied to those within the Senne Training Area. It transpired that none of the dam constructions within the Training Area complied with current safety regulations. In a severe flood scenario, the old dams and walls were found to be vulnerable to bursting and therefore presented a risk to the areas and roads downstream. As a consequence, the British Forces were requested to guarantee the safety of these reservoirs.
Modification of the dams and reservoirs to meet current technical specifications and ecological standards would have been prohibitively expensive. As the British Forces did not require the lakes for military training and following close Boelke dam before demolition © Dr Gerhard Lakmann consideration and co-operation with the German authorities, it was decided In addition to the safety aspects and has been retained, as almost to carefully drain the lakes and remove regulations, the European Water everywhere else, it has been destroyed the existing dams. In coordination with Framework Directive (EWFD) prescribes by agricultural or industrial use. the German Higher Water Authorities, that good ecological conditions must the British Forces drained 15 reservoirs be achieved in all watercourses by the Dr Gerhard Lakmann over a period of four years, using their year 2015. Ecological permeability in Scientist of the Senne Biological Centre own resources, man-power, plant and flowing watercourses is a significant County of Paderborn-Senne machinery. Dr. Lakmann, Scientist of the criterion of good ecological condition North-Rhine Westphalia and by removing the man-made dams Senne Biological Centre in the County This includes the 115 km2 of the Senne in the Senne and recreating the of Paderborn-Senne, was appointed as Training Area, where Dr Lakmann acts as a original, natural characteristics, the the ecological expert and consultant biological and ecological adviser to the British Forces have achieved a throughout this project and undertook Federal authorities and British Forces and secondary effect that surveys of each reservoir for its habitat was produced in co-operation with DIO Ops is beneficial to the objectives of and rare species. At the Boelke reservoir, Training (Germany) for example, a endangered ‘Red List’ nature conservation. plant - the alpine pondweed Potamogeton alpinus was discovered The Senne Training Area, which and so an oxbow had to be modelled contains gallery ranges and large into the stream in order to protect its field-firing areas used by infantry and a still water habitat. variety of military vehicles, is the most significant area of land designated During the demolition, the debris of under Natura 2000 in the Federal State the dams and other contaminant of North-Rhine Westphalia. The Training materials were removed and properly Area and particularly the danger areas disposed of and the original structures behind the ranges, remain one of the of the box-shaped brook valleys were very few places in the State where the re-modelled to as natural a shape historic Westphalian cultural landscape Boelke demolition © Dr Gerhard Lakmann as possible.
Now that the reservoirs have been removed and the streams restored to free-flowing waters, nature is gradually returning to its original condition. The streams are forming their typical, meandering loops, with alternating gentle slopes and steep embankments. The natural current in the brooks now prevents the formation and deposit of sludge. Aquatic species are once again able to swim upstream to the river springs; initial investigations have shown that the rare species of fish (e.g. bullhead) have already returned to the headwaters of the Senne streams. Brook lamprey © Dr Bernd Stemmer
Sanctuary 42 • 2013 15 FEATURES
New Sealand Access Route proves great success
Grand opening © Andrew Pratt, Cheshire West and Chester Council
Forming part of the Dee Estuary, a road, running south from Station Road Sealand Ranges, owned by European Marine Site, Sealand is nr Neston to the industrial plant. This The Ministry of Defence covered by a series of designations: a remains in place, passing directly Special Area of Conservation, a Special through the range and the since 1913, is a busy Protection Area, Site of Special Scientific neighbouring RSPB reserve. training facility, catering Interest (SSSI) and a Special Protection Area for birds and a Wetland of for Regular and Reserve Industry on the Dee has evolved and International Importance (also known expanded, employing many from the Army units, Cadet units, as as a Ramsar site). local community. Throughout this time well as police forces and the MOD has maintained an agreement As the numerous designations indicate, civilian rifle and pistol with the now TATRA owned steel mill the Dee is of international importance, and the United Paper Mills (UPM) particularly for water birds and during clubs, which are members located on the Deeside Industrial Park, migration, when wader populations allowing workers to walk or bicycle of the National Rifle move along the west coast of Britain. As through the range. For many this is a Association. well as being neighbours the RSPB also look after the grazing tenancy of the more desirable alternative to a MOD owned saltmarsh and enclosed significantly longer journey, using very The Sealand Rifle Ranges are located on range land to encourage and support busy and dangerous main roads. the northern bank of the Dee Estuary, these wildfowl and wading birds. straddling the English and Welsh This historic agreement is only available border. Consisting of three small arms At the time of purchasing Sealand, John to local Deeside workers. Unrestricted firing ranges, the site nestles between Summers and Sons of Hawarden Bridge access would benefit large numbers of two very contrasting sites - the Royal Steel Works, one of the largest locals and visitors and encourage Society for the Protection of Birds manufacturers of galvanized steel in the sustainable travel. However, due to the (RSPB) Dee Estuary Burton Mere country, were located where Deeside inherent matter of safety associated Wetlands Reserve to the northwest Industrial Park now exists. As a private with a live firing range, free access for and the Deeside Industrial Park to the means of access for the steel workers the general public has never been south east. John Summers and Sons constructed a an option.
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pedestrians. A route running along the eastern boundary of the site was agreed upon, incorporating Network Rail land and following an existing boundary across wet pasture to the north of the ranges. The chosen route completely segregates the public from the ranges - the ideal scenario. This enables security at Sealand to be improved and walkers and cyclists can have virtually free passage along the new route, unaffected by the possible dangers and constraints of live firing.
The final signed access agreement enables public access, but delegates the responsibility of management to the local authorities. Stipulations are made to matters that may have a negative impact upon Sealand Range Impressive boardwalk crossing wet pasture, over looking the Dee © Crown and RSPB, such as dog control and route maintenance. Finally it ensures Numerous discussions have taken place salt marsh and neighbouring land - a the route can be closed when over the last ten years in a bid to SSSI maintenance requirement - any necessary to allow for stock identify how public access can be agreement had to allow for closure management or site maintenance. improved. Whilst the MOD have always of the permitted dual purpose viewed opportunities for safe and path with no advance notice for Construction of the 3.5km permitted secure access improvements in a stock management. dual purpose path began in January positive light, it has been difficult to 2013. An extensive boardwalk was find a collective agreeable solution This is vitally important, as at times of installed across the wet pasture, linking amongst all landowners. extreme weather and tide, sheep must with newly laid track on the eastern be moved off the marsh quickly. boundary. The new route offers safe In 2008, the MOD was approached by Additionally, stock must be moved for passage around the estate, with SUSTRANS as part of a wider project to general husbandry such as dipping, stunning views across the Dee. open up a permitted dual purpose path shearing and drenching. The Completed in only nine weeks, the along the Dee. Naturally, the MOD was introduction of a multi user route permitted dual purpose path was keen to be involved with the hope that open to cyclists, walkers and dog officially opened to much acclaim on an answer could be found that would walkers had the potential to make the 18th July 2013. Demand has already improve site security and safety, and in herding of stock along the same hard exceeded expectations with over 8,000 turn benefit the local communities. track impossible. users a month recorded since April.
Rather than permanently dedicate a Options were discussed that would James Nevitt public right of way, the decision was place the trail away from the danger of Environmental Advisor made to seek a permissive route the ranges and allow for a permitted for Access and Recreation constructed to the relevant dual purpose path that is easy to use, Defence Infrastructure Organisation specifications. This would be installed enabling a flow of cycle traffic and under an agreement with all relevant parties, and managed by the two local authorities.
Given that a route requiring closure every time the range came into use would not be suitable, all of the interested parties: Cheshire West and Chester Council, Flintshire County Council, Network Rail, DIO, the RSPB and SUSTRANS, had to agree upon a solution that would be safe to use, but also accessible for the majority of the time.
In addition to considerations given to the security and management of the Range, it was also necessary to consider our neighbour and tenant, the RSPB. Due to the use of sheep to graze the The public enjoying the new boardwalk © Crown
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Hazel dormice at Bicester
A torpid dormouse @ Iain Perkins
The threat posed by improvised accommodation, offices, search houses, areas of woodland and scrub explosive devices in recent conflicts has compounds and a wide variety of considered suitable for dormice highlighted the role of the newly search routes. Vacant possession of an Muscardinus avellanarius. Dormouse formed Defence Explosives Ordnance MOD agricultural holding had to be nest tube surveys were conducted Disposal, Munitions and Search Training obtained by Land Management between 2009 and 2011 and two Regiment (DEMS Trg Regiment). Their Services of Defence Infrastructure dormouse nests were recorded in 2010 importance to existing and future Organisation (DIO) prior to work and 2011. conflicts has been underlined by the commencing for the principle training creation of a new UK centre of area. Additionally enhanced training Dormice are listed as European specialisation for EOD, Search and rights were obtained over a further area Protected Species under The Ammunition Technical Training of farmland and various training rights Conservation of Species and Habitat following the amalgamation of the two were acquired over adjacent land in Regulations 2010. This protects the EOD, Munitions and Search Schools private ownership. animals themselves from killing and from Southam, Warwickshire and injury but it also protects their habitat Chattenden, Kent. A key part of the project was the and it is an offence to carry out work creation of a series of new 100m wide that will significantly affect the local The project to provide suitable DEMS search routes covering several distribution or abundance of the training facilities at Bicester Garrison kilometres where trainees could search species. Due to their low population commenced in February 2010 and was for improvised explosive devices. The densities this can include impacts on completed in September 2012. The creation of these search routes required relatively small numbers of animals. In project cost approximately £100 the clearance of vegetation at two sites addition, dormice are protected under million and consisted of building within Bicester Garrison. This included the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 Monitoring the dormouse population at Bicester will continue for several years to assess the impact of the development
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negotiations with these landowners and put in place long term agreements that allowed coppicing, hedge laying and other woodland managements operations to be carried out on their land as mitigation for the development. Mitigation within the training area included extensive woodland planting, thinning, ride widening, hedge planting, dormouse bridges and the erection of dormouse nest boxes. Also, some dormouse bridges were erected at a height of about seven metres across existing tracks to connect two blocks of woodland. A dormouse bridge that links two areas of woodland over a track within a MOD training area © Mike Rennie from disturbance, including the offence approximately 1.75 and 5 adults per Crucially the design of the search routes of obstructing access to any structure hectare in suitable habitats. Loss and was also modified to minimise habitat or place used for shelter or protection. fragmentation of suitable habitats is loss and maintain connectivity between This legislation placed significant thought to be one of the main causes patches of woodland and scrub constraints on the development of the of the decline in the national wherever possible. This was achieved DEMS search routes at Bicester, which population and it may be the major by maintaining corridors of unmodified would inevitably result in the loss of factor controlling distribution in habitat and only removing the lower some habitat and fragmentation or southern Britain. branches of mature trees to provide modification of the remaining habitat. lines-of-sight across the search routes Once the impacts of the DEMS search for the trainers and trainees. The dormouse is declining in Britain routes on dormice were assessed by with the most recent population MOD in-house ecologists and Monitoring the dormouse population estimate at approximately 45,000 consultant ecologists it was clear that at Bicester will continue for several individuals. There has been a significant the project could only be carried out years to assess the impact of the decline during the last 100 years with a under a European Protected Species development. This will include 64% fall over 25 years up to 2002. The licence issued by Natural England. In downloading from cameras installed on species has a widespread, but patchy, order to compensate for the loss of the two dormouse bridges, inspecting distribution in the UK with most habitat some areas of additional habitat nest tubes in the retained woodland populations being found in south and would have to be created or enhanced. and checking dormouse nest boxes in central England and in Wales. The Given the constraints of the site this habitat outside the training area. The species is now found in approximately was difficult to achieve but after habitat improvements will also be 50% of its former range. detailed discussions between the Army, monitored and a second phase of DIO, Carillion Enterprises (contractor), coppicing is due to take place in 2020. Dormice have a highly arboreal lifestyle Thomson Ecology (ecological In addition there will be regular and were previously thought to consultants), adjacent landowners checking of the 400 dormouse boxes. descend to the ground rarely except to (including the Ministry of Justice), hibernate or occasionally to collect tenants and Natural England a detailed The DEMS search routes project has nesting material. Hence, they require mitigation scheme was agreed. now been delivered and despite the continuous or well connected scrub or significant constraints imposed by the woodland habitats to survive. Dormice The enhancement of habitat on private legally protected dormice it is providing also live at low population densities; in land surrounding the site was central to a first class training facility. Thanks to early summer densities are between the project. DIO carried out excellent partnership working to deliver the mitigation scheme the outlook for the dormice in this part of north Oxfordshire is looking good.
Thanks must be given to the following people who have assisted in compiling this article, Michael Russell, (LMS DIO), Olly Howells, (DIO Ecologist), Mike Rennie, (Thomson Habitat) and Major Robin Hall, (RSME).
Tim Ashley-Smith Senior Estates Surveyor, Aldershot Defence Infrastructure Organisation
Daniel Atter Clear felling of ash and silver birch and hazel coppicing on third party land © Mike Rennie Principle Ecologist Thomson Ecology
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The National Army Museum
personal items, the dangerous experiences of these soldiers are brought to a wider audience - from those who make up search teams, not forgetting the Military Working Dogs, or who work in disposal roles, as well as the medics and all those providing aftercare and rehabilitation to soldiers affected by IEDs. At the heart of this important exhibition lie the compelling stories of the individual soldiers tasked with carrying out these duties on the ground.
The exhibition also looks at the determined and resourceful enemy undertaking this debilitating form of warfare, their motivation and methods, and displays examples of insurgents’ weapons and equipment, including a locally adapted AK47.
As the Army prepares to withdraw from Afghanistan, ‘Unseen Enemy’ serves as a fitting legacy to those who have given their lives in the course of duty and pays tribute to the bravery and Medical assessment of an Afghan national, Camp Bastion hospital, 2009 © Matthew Cook professionalism of those who, on a daily basis, have dealt with the detection and were exported across the globe, and the awful consequences of IEDs. It also Standing beside Sir global influences were brought back to looks at the impact of the conflict on Britain’. The museum is committed to Christopher Wren’s that country, and the work of training relating the story of the Army’s present the Afghan people to deal with the glorious Royal Hospital activities, with a track record of many devices that remain. Chelsea building, home thought-provoking exhibitions covering recent conflicts, from ‘Unseen Enemy’ runs from 19th July of the famous Chelsea Operations Banner to Herrick. The latest 2013 to 31st March 2014 at the National Pensioners, is the of these, ‘Unseen Enemy’, tackles the Army Museum, Royal Hospital Road, history of Improvised Explosive Devices London SW3 4HT, admission free. National Army Museum. (IEDs), but focuses predominantly on their more recent use in Afghanistan. www.nam.ac.uk/exhibitions/special- displays/unseen-enemy Britain’s only museum to cover the Unseen Enemy whole history of the land forces of the Jenny Spencer-Smith Crown, takes the story from the With the support of the MOD, the Army Collections Content Manager Cromwellian New Model Army through and, in particular, specialists from the National Army Museum to today’s professional force, including Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and all Commonwealth units and the medical communities, ‘Unseen Enemy’ Formerly the museum’s Head of Indian Army - with the latter’s East looks at how the Army has responded Fine and Decorative Art India Company antecedents - up to to this increased threat. Through their independence. artefacts and equipment, film footage, art and photographs, the exhibition Besides the museum’s coverage of the shows the potentially historic wars that made the British Empire and importance of recent innovations the world conflicts of the twentieth associated with the work of the century, the NAM provides a social counter-IED community, as well as history of soldiering, looking at the significant medical and surgical other elements of the military advances, some of which are already experience, such as training, regimental benefitting civilian society. But this life, families and veterans. It also aims to exhibition is also about people, the Training members of the Afghan National Army (ANA) show how, through the Army, ‘British individuals engaged in dealing with to disarm devices manually © Chief Petty Officer Kevin culture, traditions, language and values IEDs. From their own testimony and Amaira, RN
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The importance of Plain puddles
their success rates. This species generally prefers large permanent water bodies; however, the ‘Plain toads’ exist under more unpredictable conditions, for example, in 2012, the ponds dried out between March and May and a second spawning occurred. The second spawning however, was in fewer ponds but as they remained wet for long enough the tadpoles successfully emerged as toadlets.
Conversely, the excessive rainfall from May 2012 enabled the ponds to remain wet through to late July 2013, providing the tadpoles in the larger water bodies a greater chance to successfully become toadlets. Although this still only represented a 15% success rate, it illustrates just how much these toads Adult common toad Bufo bufo rarely seen on Salisbury Plain © Iain Perkins are governed by weather conditions in training exercises often supported this particular landscape. Salisbury Plain Training by heavy armour e.g. tanks that form corrugated tracks containing a Even with such high numbers of Area (SPTA) is the series of ephemeral puddles, or tadpoles, actual sightings of adult toads principal military training temporary ponds. are extremely rare.
area in the UK and also Despite the porous chalk substrate The studies concluded that the high the largest chalk these temporary ponds persist due density of temporary ponds makes grassland in North-West to vehicle puddling and ground Salisbury Plain one of the most compaction, and account for important areas for fairy shrimp Europe. approximately 99% of water bodies metapopulations in the UK and as across the West. These range in size breeding ponds for the common toad from a small wheel rut (4x0.5x0.3m), regionally. It is recognised as an important site for atypical ‘H-Shaped’ (5x4x0.5m) to large species and habitats of conservation ‘tank scoops’ (8x5x1m). As both species are features of the concern and in recognition of its Salisbury Plain SSSI citation, these importance about 20,000 hectares of Not only do the ponds provide a food voluntary studies now inform grassland has been designated as a Site source and watering holes for birds and mandatory management plans by of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It is larger mammals, in an otherwise arid indicating their range and distribution also a Special Protection Area (SPA) for environment, two recent surveys have and outline the essential role birds under the EC Birds Directive and a confirmed just how important these disturbance from training activities Special Area of Conservation (SAC) habitats are. plays in maintaining and creating under the EC Habitats Directive. new habitats. The first, focused on fairy shrimp Historically, Salisbury Plain has been Chirocephalus diaphanus presence and Iain Perkins occupied and grazed since the absence on a landscape scale, as a Conservation Officer and member of the Neolithic and later in the 17th and 18th section of a BSc dissertation. Over 300 Imber Conservation Group centuries immense flocks of sheep ponds were identified containing fairy Defence Infrastructure Organisation roamed the Plain. Over the last one shrimp, in comparison to another hundred years, due to military presence, stronghold, the New Forest, that has it has largely escaped intensive farming, less than ten. Other species identified untouched by herbicides and were; stoneworts, newts (smooth and pesticides, and development; factors great crested newts), diving beetles and which have allowed species to persist dragonflies including the nationally here which have declined in many scarce, scarce blue-tailed damselfly other areas. Ischnura pumilio.
Salisbury Plain (West), also known as The second, focused on common toad the Warminster Ranges, is Bufo bufo breeding ponds, identifying The author sweep netting a temporary pond predominantly used for tactical dry over 250 ponds and aimed to assess © Iain Perkins
Sanctuary 42 • 2013 21 FEATURES
MODern Housing Solutions adds value to Didcot community garden
Didcot community garden in August © Rosie Brown
A series of chance emails last year they wanted. It was then time to get The social and meant that MODern Housing Solutions our hands dirty. (MHS), who provide housing therapeutic benefits of maintenance services on behalf of DIO MHS provided over 200 railway gardening and getting for Service Family Accommodation in sleepers, several tonnes of compost and involved in nature are England and Wales, became aware that an army of helpers. These raw materials the BBC 2 Gardeners’ World production were then used to create 17 raised well documented. team was looking to film the creation of beds, which were an essential part of Gardening and being a Service community garden. MHS, the design. outdoors helps people to through its existing countrywide programme of community projects, MHS staff joined forces with families connect and families to knew that 11 Explosive Ordnance and unit staff to complete this engage with one another. Disposal (EOD) Regiment at Didcot had particularly arduous task, transforming recently acquired a new welfare house the area ready for serious gardening. with outside space, perfect for such a MHS gifted gardening tools, seeds, It strengthens relationships, reduces garden project. MHS was keen to help strawberry plants, seed potatoes, herbs stress and improves well being through the families accomplish their vision of a and seed trays. A generous timber physical activity. So for the Service vegetable and flower garden; by linking donation provided an enterprising community in particular, gardening is a the BBC production team and the unit, soldier with the raw material to build a perfect antidote for the stresses and the vision became a stunning reality. number of bird boxes, whilst the strains caused by long periods of remainder was used for building separation and the impact of In March 2012, a collaborative design additional sweet pea beds. operational duties on families. In fact, at for the garden evolved from the Headley Court, injured Service horticultural expertise of the BBC team, The MHS community projects manager personnel are encouraged to garden to the MHS landscape manager and the ensured that throughout the filming aid their recovery. families’ ideas for the type of garden cycle from March to August, the
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communities to create gardens throughout the Service community. MHS is intent on continuing its support to any community project they help to get off the ground. Recent work at Didcot has seen new fencing installed to create a nature area opposite the community garden, with the aim of encouraging hedgehogs and birds to make their homes here; in turn this should help to keep pests at bay in the garden. The original Didcot project team’s vision is turning into reality as the news of the Didcot garden spreads. MHS has been approached about helping to set up similar ventures at a number of Service units, including RAF Leeming, Pirbright and Warminster.
Further information on the project is available at: You Tube under ‘Cut Flower Arranging on Gardeners’ World’ and on The plot as a blank canvas © Rosie Brown Facebook under ‘Didcot Garden Project.’ families, unit welfare staff, MHS staff and became one very happy community, the BBC worked in concert. The BBC’s focussed on a common cause. As the Rosie Brown production team came with a wealth of early shoots in the garden grew into Play Parks and Community gardening expertise ensuring that beautiful flowers and the vegetable Projects Manager families and MHS staff received an shoots produced potatoes, courgettes, MODern Housing Solutions excellent education in plant feeding, rocket and marrows (amongst other Responsible for managing all DIO Housing organic methods of keeping aphids at things) so too did the relationships play parks in England and Wales and bay; as well as valuable advice on the between individuals, children, the BBC managing the MHS countrywide flowers and vegetables best suited for and MHS. The sense of community was programme of community projects and the garden and the families’ needs. A very evident and the support network volunteering. gardening notice board, complete with for these families (who have gone rotas, was set up in the welfare house through a tremendous amount over to keep the families up to speed on all the past few years) strengthened. activity in the garden; ensuring that Wives supported each other, looking they keep on top of watering and after each others’ children, helping with weeding. A Facebook project page school runs, collecting bunches of provided an excellent tool for keeping flowers to take to each other if they everyone in touch and (when needed) needed cheering up and using the instant ‘hits and tips’ from the BBC plentiful garden produce to create Gardeners’ World experts. family meals.
11 (EOD) Regiment has suffered “The energy that MHS has put in to the significant losses and injuries over the garden project has been immense. The Garden in May © Rosie Brown past few years and the summer of 2012 guidance and raw materials from MHS was going to be particularly testing for have allowed an opportunity for families unit Serving personnel and their to achieve a real sense of satisfaction and families. The already heavy workload the Barracks as a whole is benefitting from associated with UK and operational the investment. The opportunity to be EOD duties increased dramatically with nominated as a potential resource for a the requirement for their services at the BBC Gardeners World programme and the Jubilee and Olympic celebrations. With professional assistance that comes with it all summer leave cancelled, the is all attributable to MHS. With their distraction provided by the gardening support, knowledge, and community as a stress reliever and the excitement spirit we have a real chance to create of having the glamorous Rachel de something special and enduring”. Thame as the lead BBC presenter, came Lt Col Adam McRae MBE, Commanding as a welcome relief. Officer, 11 EOD Regiment.
The children enjoyed hours of fun MHS, the BBC production team, unit helping to sow seeds (with wild staff and the families involved in the abandon), watering (normally each Didcot Community Garden project other) and as the summer months hope that the BBC2 Gardeners World progressed the families involved coverage will inspire other Service Garden in July © Rosie Brown
Sanctuary 42 • 2013 23 FEATURES
Summer distribution of the ghost crab in Cyprus
Ghost crab Ocypode cursor (L., 1758) along the east coast of Akrotiri Peninsula in Cyprus © Nicole Mavrovounioti
Ghost crabs Ocypode cursor (L., 1758), Their periscope-shaped eyes provide Investigating the are a protected species and an them with very acute, 360° vision. distribution of ghost crabs important element of the coastal ecosystems of Akrotiri Peninsula. They The research included counting of along the east coast of are a semi-terrestrial species and, as the burrows (as an indication of the crab Akrotiri Peninsula, within most evident invertebrates of sandy population) and their distances from the Sovereign Base Area shores, can be used as an indicator of the sea, measuring the diameter of human impact on the coastal burrows, the humidity and (SBA) of Akrotiri. ecosystems. Ghost crabs are swift and granulometry of the sediment, the highly active predators, scavengers and environmental and sand temperatures sometimes deposit feeders. They are and estimating human disturbance. The The study, part of a BSc in more active during night hours when study area was divided into two parts. Environmental Management at they emerge from their burrows to The first was the popular, open access Northumbria University, took place maintain the burrows or to forage. area of Lady’s Mile and the second, an during the summer of 2012 and Burrows protect them from predation, undisturbed, fenced area within covered numbers and sizes of crabs in allow them to breath air and provide RAF Akrotiri. relation to ecological variables and the them with moisture and a stable impact of human activities. This temperature against extreme high and Burrow numbers varied during the research was facilitated by the RAF low temperatures on the surface. The study period, July being the highest authorities, the SBA Environment common name of the species comes and August the lowest, but with no Department and the Akrotiri from their sandy camouflage colour statistically significant differences Environmental Education and and evasive, ghostly appearance and between the three summer months. Information Centre. movements on the sand. The sizes included mostly small and
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Ghost crabs are swift and highly active predators, scavengers and sometimes deposit feeders. medium diameter burrows. The most populated area of Ocypode cursor was These findings can be used to inform populated area was established between 11 and 20.5%. Similarly, the the management of the beach, with a between 0-10m from the sea with the sand surface and sediment column clear direction towards minimising peak at 6m. Also, it was established that temperatures of the preferred areas human disturbance for protection of larger size burrows (and crabs) were ranged from 22°C to 46°C and 27.2°C to the species and the wider coastal distributed further away from the sea. 36°C respectively. The sediment column ecosystem. Further recommended In addition, a strong negative was found to be providing the burrows research includes studies of the correlation between the number of with a thermally stable environment wintering habitat of the species, which burrows and man-made disturbance (28.5-34.4°C) insulating crabs against could well be under threat from on the beach was confirmed, with surface temperature extremes (23.5- various activities. significantly more burrows in the 46.1°C). The distribution of Ocypode southern, undisturbed part within RAF cursor was found to be covering both Nicole Mavrovounioti Akrotiri than the northern, open access coarse and medium sand grain, without BSc student part. The sand moisture across the most a clear preference for either. Northumbria University
Quickbird imagery sourced from the Defence Geographic Centre © Crown Author conducting fieldwork © Nicole Mavrovounioti
Photogenic ghost crabs © Nicole Mavrovounioti
Sanctuary 42 • 2013 25 FEATURES
Mountain Rescue Search Dogs training at Garelochhead Training Camp
Handler Liz Outram and dog Feilan being winched © SARDA Southern Scotland
The Search and Rescue Dog Association form the National Search and Rescue The Search and Rescue (SARDA), was envisaged and Dog Association (NSARDA) to raise the Dog Association inaugurated by Hamish MacInnes in public’s awareness and use of search Glencoe in 1965. The dogs are dogs. There are nine Associations (Southern Scotland) classified as ‘air scenting wilderness throughout the British Isles that comprises a group of search dogs’ and are trained to search subscribe to NSARDA standards. In people involved in the for any human scent given off from 1983, SARDA Scotland divided into two either an article or person. The Associations: - Highland (now known as training of dogs to search Association has evolved and developed Scotland)) and Southern Scotland. for missing people. into an internationally recognised group of volunteers spread throughout SARDA Southern Scotland has dog the British Isles. It was, originally, a teams, both qualified and trainee, The handlers are volunteer members of mountain rescue organisation, but based from Aberdeen and Fort William a recognised mountain rescue team many Police Authorities throughout the in the North, to Galloway and the and backing up the handlers is a UK, quickly, recognised that the skills of Scottish Borders in the South. We train dedicated group of volunteers, who act the dog teams could be deployed in one weekend per month throughout as ‘bodies’, lying out in the countryside, situations other than the mountains the areas where we are ‘first on call’. We in all weathers, for the dog teams to and wild country. are now used by the Police to search for find. Handlers and bodies come from missing people in a variety of terrain, various backgrounds; including By 1979, because of geography and from high mountains, to open teaching, nursing and forestry to vets, increasing numbers, the original moorland, forest both planted and social workers, researchers, the Police, Association had divided into Scotland, natural and public areas such as outdoor instructors and those lucky England, Wales and N. Ireland. In 1997, footpaths, river banks, shorelines, enough to be retired. most of the groups co-operated to industrial estates and public parks.
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In order to be able to work, with After further training the team can opt We use the facilities at Garelochhead confidence, in such a variety of terrain, to be assessed for Mountain Grade Training Camp on three occasions training involves exposure to the areas Search Dog. To achieve full mountain throughout the year and the Camp we are called to and the type of ground status the team has to demonstrate, to provides a central and easily accessible we might encounter. Training in the external assessors, their ability to search location for our members. There are dark, using dogs in search lines and in steep ground containing every type of usually about 20 people per weekend; areas contaminated by the general obstacle that might be encountered in comprising dog handlers and public, ensures that as soon as dog the mountains, e.g. crags, gullies, volunteer bodies. teams are qualified they are competent streams, boulder fields and snow. They and confident enough to work any area will also have had avalanche training. The training areas provide us with most to which they have been tasked. Success at this level involves a of the terrain we need and it is very minimum of 30 hours assessment and near to the Clyde coast, the high Trainee handlers are assessed internally, teams are re-assessed every three years. mountains of the Arrochar Alps, and but formally up to a level where they Currently, we have 8 operational public spaces such as community are able to search large areas of open mountain dog teams, 2 lowland teams woodland in Helensburgh and Balloch hillside. They then undergo more and 3 trainee teams. Park. No other venue, where we train, specific training in lowland areas and offers us this amount of variety. In parkland. A formal assessment in front All SARDA Southern Scotland dogs, addition, the helicopter pad and access of external assessors leads to the award regardless of grade or status, are to high ridges, such as the Strone, of Lowland Search Dog. This puts the required to demonstrate their safety fulfils all we need for helicopter training. team on to the callout list to be used in around stock by being tested annually Nearby Loch Lomond allows us to train urban surroundings, semi-rural, under the impartial observation of a with the Loch Lomond lifeboat. An moorland, woodland, water margins working shepherd. This is vital if we are added bonus for us is the freedom and tracks. to retain the confidence of the to use smoke to increase our farming community. experience of how scent moves on the air in different weather conditions and terrain.
Finally, but not forgotten, are the camp staff, who bend over backwards to accommodate us.
NSARDA www.nsarda.org.uk
SARDA Southern Scotland www.sarda.org.uk
Search and Rescue Dogs The remarkable story of search and rescue dogs from the mountains to the shore Bob Sharp and Bill Jennison Hayloft Publishing Ltd
Bill Jennison Handler, Darryl Urquhart-Dixon with body John Chroston and dogs Ruby and Dochas. Winter training. Retired teacher © SARDA Southern Scotland Joined mountain rescue in 1978 and qualified with his first search dog in 1981. He has trained and worked 3 search dogs. Since retiring his last dog he has been training officer with SARDA Southern Scotland. He is an accredited assessor for NSARDA
Body Joanna Toohey and dog Angus © SARDA Southern Scotland
Sanctuary 42 • 2013 27 FEATURES
Newtown Rifle Range and Training Area Osprey Project Rutland Water, raising a total of 10-12 chicks annually. Whilst on a visit to Rutland Water, the team leader of the Osprey Project, Tim Mackrill, was very enthusiastic about our efforts, informing us that as well as birds ringed at nest in Scotland it was highly likely that Rutland birds (identified by colour rings on the right leg) would also stop off at Newtown.
True to its nick-name, the ‘mullet hawk’, love to feed on the plentiful grey mullet, plus the odd bass or flounder when at Newtown. The adults need to catch up to six pounds of fish a day to feed their family, which is why a plentiful supply should be readily available. An adult female with her five and a half foot wingspan can weigh up to three and a half pounds with the male being slightly smaller.
So, here at Newtown an ideal opportunity awaits us to encourage the osprey to breed, an estuary that abounds with fish, and a relatively undisturbed open habitat provided by the ranges. The Newton Range Conservation Group is very active and carried out some research into the feasibility of the project. The first step was to contact Roy Dennis who, using The majestic osprey Pandon haliaetus © Dave Kjear ‘Google earth’, thought the site ideal. He sent down photographs of his metal nesting platforms, stating they would The Newtown Rifle Ranges and Training Area is situated need to be fixed on top of 30 foot poles, which in turn needed to be within the SSSI of Newtown harbour, Isle of Wight, which is buried five foot into the ground. a designated National Nature Reserve comprising of Because ospreys are semi-colonial breeders it was thought that three approximately 1,690 acres; the Ranges and Training Area platforms would be more favourable. covers some 830 acres. Roy agreed to select suitable positions for the poles, and with the support of The first record of an osprey Pandon naturally, initially in Scotland at Loch Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) haliaetus at Newtown, in modern times, Garten and by 2001 there were 198 who agreed to supply the three poles was in 1962; since then, and particularly pairs breeding in Britain. and erect them, only asking for limited within the last 15 years, this wonderful ‘in house’ publicity in return. bird has become a more regular visitor, In 1996, Mr Roy Dennis, the noted on passage to or from West Africa world expert on ospreys, ran a In November 2011 at our AGM the where they spend winter. Up to five translocation project for six years, where proposal to attract breeding ospreys have been recorded. chicks from Scotland were moved to was enthusiastically accepted by the Rutland Water and released as conservation group members and The osprey became extinct, as a fledglings. In 2004, a young returning tenant farmer. We now had to convince breeding bird in England, during female released at this site bred for the Natural England that we were serious the1840s and in the whole of Britain in first time utilising an artificial nesting about the project and get permission 1916. By 1954, they had recolonised platform and now several pairs breed at to go ahead. Once they had the details
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Young ospreys usually do not return to Britain until at least two years old and make their first breeding attempt between three and five years. they had no hesitation in granting the necessary paperwork for us to continue. Later in November, Roy Dennis visited the range and advised the best positions for the poles. The platforms were made by a local engineering firm for a good price. By Christmas the poles were delivered to the range; the nests were made and fixed to the platforms and in March 2012 we were all ready to go. At that time we were in a long dry spell and with seemingly only a matter of days before erection, the dreadful weather intervened and it was not until September when SSE felt the ground was dry enough for their heavy machinery to be on site.
The day (12th September) dawned dry and sunny, the convoy of lorries and machinery left the Range house at 1015hrs and the SSE engineers, assisted The proud team © Dave Maidment by all the Range staff, had the first pole in by 1130hrs. They made it look so easy. We then drove to the second platform and it was there that we had no less than three ospreys circling as spectators, which was wonderful. Whilst at the last site an osprey was spotted sitting on a post about 100 yards away eating a large bass, not in the least worried about us. In fact Major Maidment, the Range Officer and Training Estate Manager, crept down and took photos. At 1515hrs, the task was finished. All agreed that it had been a truly remarkable day, one to live forever in our memories.
Young ospreys usually do not return to Britain for at least two years and make their first breeding attempt between three and five years. Our hope is that our breeding poles will attract a visiting young male who in turn will attract a The ‘mullet hawk’ in action © Dave Kjear young female and commence breeding. It might not happen but it will not be for the want of trying.
John Willmott Ornithologist Newtown Range Conservation Group
First in line for the new des-res © Dave Maidment The Scottish and Southern Energy team at work © Dave Maidment
Sanctuary 42 • 2013 29 FEATURES
When wildlife meets the military, both benefit Generation Plain provides children with a chance to play outdoors. Sounds simple enough, but with the trend towards play meaning sitting in front of a television or games system, it is harder than it appears. Outside play develops a sense of place and teaches children to love where they live. The Trust encourages children to be children and helps parents to provide traditional childhood treats and outings. That means getting wet, dirty and occasionally, even muddy! The project is about being outdoors; climbing trees, building dens, pond dipping, bug hunting, and learning traditional crafts like willow weaving and creating artwork from nature.
Generation Plain is very much about families and organises events to give Mums a chance to get together to learn new skills, such as the popular Knit and Natter sessions. To give families the chance to get outdoors together, Generation Plain also organises Out and About days with bus trips to the Trust’s nature reserves, such as The Devenish, where there is plenty of room to run around and even more wildlife to learn about. Events are free of charge and open to military and non military families, providing both with the opportunity to make new friends, and Roasting marshmallows in the woods © Ryan Tabor Wiltshire Wildlife Trust be part of the local community. There Is Space Here, or TISH as it is Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is a membership organisation with affectionately known, has its own, a vision for a sustainable future for wildlife and people, unique approach to getting families outdoors. It often works alongside including the military communities around the county. Generation Plain, to provide a broad range of nature based activities for families, and training for community Building a sense of community the Armed Forces Community groups to encourage them to run their for Wiltshire’s Military families Covenant Fund, Big Lottery Fund, own events. TISH is funded by Natural The Community Foundation for England, the Big Lottery Fund, the Army Using nature and the outdoors as a Wiltshire and Swindon and The Walter Welfare Service and the Underwood catalyst to provide military families with Guinness Charitable Trust; Generation Trust and works with schools in the a sense of community, Wiltshire Wildlife Plain focuses its activities around military towns of Bulford, Tidworth, Trust runs There Is Space Here (TISH) Salisbury Plain. The aim is to integrate Warminster and Larkhill. and Generation Plain to offer families military and civilian communities and and especially children the chance to build a more and sustainable Sadly, funding for the project is now make memories. community in the Bulford Barracks area coming to an end but to date; over based around the Kiwi Primary School. 4,000 local people have participated in Salisbury Plain is an incredibly special The project is run by Susan Allen, who a TISH event. They’ve come along to area, an ancient sweeping expanse of organises events and outings for local our Wildplay Days, built dens and chalk grassland with an historic families with a particular emphasis cooked on camp fires, learned mud connection to the Military. Funded by on children. painting, pond dipping, willow weaving
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and gone mini-beast hunting with Trust can lead to recognised qualifications in staff and volunteers. TISH has even conservation and provide career taught youngsters and their parents, opportunities for those leaving the how to grow their own fruit and military. They also teach traditional vegetables. During the school holidays, crafts like woodworking and whittling. TISH has run events at the Trust’s nature Participants can learn to make spoons, reserves for families to come along bowls, baskets and sculptures. either with TISH staff or with downloadable spotter sheets, to enjoy In the gardens of Tedworth House, the a day outdoors while learning about Trust’s Food Champions staff will be the wildlife around them. helping to build raised beds accessible to all residents to learn growing skills. Woodland Warriors, where These beds will not only provide wildlife meets our military residents with new skills, a chance to heroes get outdoors and do physical activities, but longer term it will provide fresh fruit Two charities, with very different remits, and vegetables for the residents. combine forces to create and manage a natural environment fit for heroes. As part of the Woodland Warriors project, local people and businesses are The most recent of Wiltshire Wildlife encouraged to come along and help to Trust’s military projects is Woodland build the camp and work alongside the Warriors, working with the national residents as a practical and meaningful charity Help for Heroes to help ‘thank you’ to those wounded in the wounded service personnel in their service of their country. recovery. This unique project brings together expertise and experience to Kelly Barnett Trees are fun! © Wiltshire Wildlife Trust provide a variety of benefits to Senior Communications Officer wounded military men and women. Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
The Trust is managing the creation of a camp in the 26 acres of woodland surrounding Tedworth House Recovery Centre which will provide recovering service personnel with an outdoor space for relaxing and finding inspiration.
The camp also provides residents with the opportunity to learn practical skills, traditional crafts and building techniques. The Trust has already provided chain saw training to several residents and is planning to expand the range of training opportunities it can offer leading to qualifications and experience that can provide residents with career prospects outside Heroes learning coppicing skills © Wiltshire Wildlife Trust the military.
As well as building the camp, the Trust will be putting in quiet areas where residents can get away from the stress of their recovery. National research demonstrates the value of access to nature as an important tool to helping those experiencing mental health issues such as stress, anxiety and depression. The Trust’s Wellbeing Team are experts in using the natural environment to combat such issues. The Wellbeing programme teaches skills such as tree felling, coppicing, hedge building and construction, as well as habitat surveying. These skills Wood carving helps those suffering from mental health issues © Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
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Veteranisation of trees Planning for the preservation of rich habitats whilst maintaining a safer environment
Aspire Defence Services Limited (ADSL) manages around 35,000 trees and 307ha of woodland spread over 1,093ha as part of the Ministry of Defence’s 35 year Infrastructure PFI contract, Project Allenby/ Connaught (PAC).
ADSL’s tree surveyors are qualified arboriculturists and carry out regular inspections on all trees and woodlands across land at Aldershot and Salisbury Plain under the PAC footprint. Trees are assessed to check their overall health and any visual defects are recorded and addressed through planned maintenance.
Recent surveying has included the much publicised and feared tree disease Ash dieback Chalara fraxinea which causes leaf loss, dieback and usually the death of ash trees. As at 18th March 2013 there were 413 confirmed cases found across the UK. The disease is thought to have entered the UK via infected imported plants as well as wind dispersal across the Channel. A Plant Health Order has been in place since 2012 preventing imports of Ash until further notice , but the worry is that this disease will decimate ash tree populations in the same way that Dutch elm disease destroyed our elms. However, some ash trees growing near infected trees seem to show natural genetic resistance.
There was good news in March 2013 when it was announced that Forest Research, working as part of a consortium, had been awarded £2.4m Veteranisation of a horse chestnut tree © Aspire Defence
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research funding to develop an associated with dead wood. millipedes, centipedes, spiders, mites in-depth understanding of the ash In response, the ADSL tree team have and numerous insects. Birds also dieback fungus and to provide genetic adopted the technique of benefit from the process of natural clues about some ash trees’ natural veteranisation, which aims to quickly decay as woodpeckers feed on dead resistance to attack. replicate some of the morphological wood insect larvae, and tawny owls and changes that would normally occur nuthatches use cavities in tree trunks ADSL are pleased to report that no over a considerably longer time. for nesting or roosting. Several species evidence of the disease has been found of bat also rely on veteran trees on PAC sites so far, but we will continue The methods ADSL have used to for habitat. to monitor the situation; hopefully, date include: avoiding losses and ensuring the At ADSL our priority is to manage the wellbeing of our future veteran • Creating dead wood piles which PAC tree population ensuring safety at ash trees. benefit ground inhabiting species all times. In addition, we are privileged • Creating monoliths by making dead to be able to plan for preservation of In most cases, veteran trees can be said or dying trees safe, removing all rich habitats for the long term benefit to ‘grow old gracefully’ meaning that the branches and reducing the of the estate and for future generations. their speed of growth naturally reduces overall height with old age. This enables them to • Retrenchment which severely Martin Steele survive longer than others of the same reduces the crown to create a Salisbury Plain Tree Surveyor species. The activity of wood digesting smaller, less hazardous defective tree Aspire Defence Services Limited organisms causes features such as Ring-barking which ensures tree • Worked in the Arboricultural industry for 13 hollows, decayed wood and water death and speeds dead wood years, currently working for Aspire Defence pools to develop; these create formation to support habitat Services Limited, responsible for circa 20,000 additional micro ecosystems and development trees and 150 hectares of woodland across unique niches for many species of flora Stabilising major dead wood rather • Salisbury Plain. and fauna. At the same time the natural than removing it entirely thus leaving degradation of structural wood safe aerial habitats properties weakens the tree and large • Natural fracture pruning and coronet limbs will be dropped or the whole tree cutting, which mimics the way that may fall, sometimes with little warning. tears and fractured ends naturally occur through storm damage for ADSL tree surveyors identify tree related example. This creates microhabitats hazards and if the risk assessment that will collect water and debris, suggests there is potential for harm to which is then colonised by human life or infrastructure then action micro-organisms must be taken. This will mean either removal or reduction of the hazard and Benefits of veteranisation include the the team will plan this work in retention and creation of habitat for sympathy with the wider environment, important wood decay fungi which live or we may move or redirect persons or and thrive on dead wood. Many property away from the defective tree species of bird, insect and fungi need rather than working on the tree itself. the resources that dead wood provides and some species would In recent years, it has been recognised become extinct if no dead wood was Completion of coronet cuts © Aspire Defence by national organisations, such as the available to them. Forestry Commission, that there is a lack of decaying wood habitat within Different species will use dead wood in Britain’s woodlands - there was a different ways; some will only use it perception that dead wood in trees while it is attached to the tree, high up would harbour disease, however, these in the canopy; once the wood has habitats sustain many species that are fallen to the woodland floor a different important to conservation. Historically, species may take over. both arboricultural and silvicultural practices focussed on cleaning out As the dead wood breaks down within dead wood from trees and woodlands the leaf litter valuable nutrients are believing this to be good practice, returned to the tree through the soil. protecting the timber resource and This is an important natural process reducing potential hazards in them. which is not usually available to urban trees. Whilst mulches can be put down Today, the importance of making around the tree these do not provide provision for decaying wood is more the richness of a woodland floor. widely accepted. Conservation bodies, such as the Ancient Tree Forum and Invertebrates dependent on dead Natural England, have widely publicised wood at some time in their life cycle the need to maintain the biodiversity include species of worms, snails, Monolithed tree © Aspire Defence
Sanctuary 42 • 2013 33 FEATURES
Workhouse Archaeological Excavation Churchend Village, Foulness Island
Photograph of excavations in Area 1: showing a fireplace, South-East wall and clay level © Bob Crump
During the past years, the Foulness Thomas Bennewith who held the We commenced the archaeological Conservation and Archaeological licence for The George and Dragon, in excavation in February 2008 and Society (FCAS) has undertaken a variety Churchend Village. worked through until mid-April 2008, of archaeological excavations when we left the site to allow a settled supported by historical research on In 1810, Amelia Bennewith sold a period for the flora and fauna. During Foulness, to study Romano-British property to William Potton, who in turn the above period, we were able to Occupation, periods of land sold the property on in 1824 to The uncover the complete brick reclamation, and phases of building Churchwardens and Overseers of The foundations of the large building and domestic settlement covering the Parish of Foulness. This property can be mentioned in the introduction. The period medieval through to the clearly identified on the 1847 Tithe brick sizes suggested we were dealing nineteenth century. This work is part of Award Map for Foulness as the ‘Parish with a structure of early-to-mid c1800s. an ongoing research project, which is House’. This is, in fact, the area The depth and width of the brick aimed specifically at producing a mentioned in 1801 as ‘The foundations suggested that the comprehensive picture of life on Encampment of The Rochford structure above ground level would Foulness over the past 2,000 years. Hundred Volunteers’. have been timber framed. We have identified six ground floor rooms, and a We became interested in the probable outshut (see plan). Workhouse site following the study of a We believe that the building was map of Foulness, made in 1801 by John licensed as an ale house during the The Foundations are located on silty Grist for the Commissioners of Sewers Napoleonic War to provide for the clay at a depth of 18 inches (46cms), and Seawalls. The area of interest on the Volunteers who were based outside the which at the time of the excavation was map was recorded as ‘The Encampment Churchend Village. very firm. For the purpose of recording of The Rochford Hundred Volunteers’. the find location, we designated the Our objectives, were to locate the rooms, Areas 1-6. In general, the The Ale House Recognizances for foundations of the building to establish majority of the ceramics recovered Foulness record that an ale house evidence for the earliest occupation were mid-to-late Victorian; however, we licence was granted to Amelia and its role in the community; to did recover some Staffordshire Slipware Bennewith for ‘The Rochford Hundred establish a link with the local Militia and c1800s, and post-medieval red Volunteer’. This commenced in 1798. equally as important, its function as the earthenware with a date range Amelia Bennewith was the wife of Parish House. between 18th - 19th century.
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Plan of excavated foundations at the workhouse site
South front entrance
Area 1 Area 2 Area 3 Fireplace
Area 7 Area 6 Area 5 Area 4
Fireplace West side Possible entrance Outshut Fireplace Sink Base?
Kitchen Range Area
1 Scale /4 inch = 1 foot
N
We began the excavation at the ‘Jennens & Co London’. The origin of had at sometime in the late 1700s southeast side of the site, where we this button is the 62nd (Wiltshire) served on the island of Santa Maria, started to uncover the south and east Regiment of Foot 18th century. This which at that time was a wall foundations along with the base of was found in Area 5 Portuguese Colony. a large fireplace in Area1. Area 4 is • The second is a Portuguese Coin, clearly the kitchen; here we found the also recovered from Area 5, inscribed We have suggested that Area 5 was remains of a kitchen range. on the obverse: ‘PORTUGALIAE ET used for needlework, could it be that ALGARBIORUM REX’ and on the the button may have come from the The dateable finds so far identified are reverse: ‘IOANNES V DEI GRATIA’. The uniform of a former serving member of of significant interest for they have coin refers to King John V of Portugal the above regiment, now a member of given us a broad insight as to what was 1738 and on the obverse centre can the local ‘Volunteers’, and likewise, the taking place in certain areas of this be seen ‘X’ which refers to the coins coin deposited by someone who had building. Twenty-five clay pipe bowls value of 10 Reis served in the Portuguese Colony? have been recovered dating between mid 18th century to early 20th century. We were then left with the question of Our initial objective with this site was to Twenty bone buttons were recovered how these two items found their way discover evidence of occupation in with a date range of mid 18th century; to Foulness . . . relation to ‘The Rochford Hundred most of these were found in Area 5, Volunteers’ and our knowledge to date along with items associated with Following contact with the Essex is supported, so far, by: needlework, lace and crochet work. Regiment Museum in Chelmsford, and Metal, pearl, and later bakelite buttons The Rifles Museum in Salisbury, it was Documentary evidence: were also found here. established that the Wiltshire Regiment had not served in our region. • The names of the Volunteers and the Thirty-one coins were found with a dates for muster, including Jonas date range from George II to George V One possible answer may be that Asplin who was the Captain of The 1918. One token was also recovered during the Napoleonic War there Volunteers (he was a gentleman from Area 5 for a jeweller in Norwich; existed on Foulness two semaphore farmer from Little Wakering Hall ‘Newton Silversmith and Jeweller stations, one at Courtsend Village and located on the mainland) MDCCCXII’. another at Burwood, to the south. These were part of the east coast Physical evidence: Two of the discoveries have left us with semaphore/signal system. some interesting thoughts: • The metal top (brass) of a powder We have documentary evidence that flask dated between late 18th • The first is a military button, which is one of the officers, John Lundin, who century to early 19th century inscribed on the obverse: ‘62’ within a was appointed by the Admiralty to • Three pieces of lead shot, two French Circle and on the reverse: serve at the Courtsend signal station, showing signs of impact that have
Sanctuary 42 • 2013 35 FEATURES
1847 Tithe map: showing the Parish House © Bob Crump
been identified as the type fired from The date range of all the finds is early Only time will tell what other a musket during the period of 18th century to early 20th century. To interesting finds will be discovered at interest understand how these items came to the site in the future. • A button found in Area 1; thought to be located in this area we need to be local Militia, inscribed on the consider what has taken place during Bob Crump Obverse ‘GR’ beneath a crown, and this period. Chairman on the reverse ‘Wooley & Co Foulness Conservation and Birmingham’ We know that a footpath was in Archaeological Society and member of • We recovered part of a yard glass existence, running from Eastwick Head Foulness Conservation Group used to take a yard of ale and two via The Workhouse Site and onto Old metal hoops from a barrel, which Hall. We also know that the village fete were found adjacent to Area 1. We was held adjacent to the Workhouse believe that this large room, with its site (The Meadow), probably during large fireplace, may have been used mid to late 19th century until 1923, as a social area for the consumption when it was then moved and held close of alcohol to Old Hall. It would appear that this building, We can relate the finds to those lost on during its lifetime, has provided two the access footpath, and at the site of roles in the community: the fete; however, the most interesting • Accommodation for the poor discoveries suggest that we may have • A place of rest and entertainment for found the site that attracted us to this the local Militia area originally, that is ‘The Encampment of The Rochford Hundred Volunteers’. Our post excavation research continues, however more questions have arisen so The most exciting find to date is a we must return to the site in the near 14th - 15th century Jetton, which future. is either of French or German origin. It was found on the track very close We have continued to record a further to the rear entrance of the Old Hall 200 items recovered from the area just complex (the site where the South of the Workhouse, the location is Medieval Manorial Hall would have adjacent to the site in the area recorded stood). Jettons were used for as ‘The Meadow’. accounting purposes. Military button © Bob Crump
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New solar farms will save energy and cut bills for DIO
Photovoltaic arrays at Sennybridge Training Camp © Landmarc
In support of the DIO The solar farms should virtually pay for Energy Spend to Save themselves twice over during their Programme, Landmarc lifecycle Support Services has worked closely with DIO The electricity generated will be used In addition to the DIO’s Energy Spend to support the future energy to Save Programme, the project also Ops Training to install five requirements of the camps. In addition, directly supports the DIO Ops Training 50kWp photovoltaic arrays DIO Ops Training will benefit from the Energy Conservation Strategy to reduce on four camps across its Feed in Tariffs (FITs) scheme. This is the the amount of wasted energy; reduce UK government’s main financial the consumption of energy and switch training estate. incentive to encourage uptake of to renewable energy solutions. renewable electricity-generating technologies. It means that Mark Manning These are the first of their kind to be approximately 13p per kWh could be Project Manager installed on the defence estate, which paid from their energy supplier for all of Landmarc Support Services Limited will generate electricity, cut bills and the electricity that is generated, even if reduce DIO Ops Training’s carbon it is used by the camps. And of course, footprint by an estimated 20 tonnes of they will save money on their electricity CO per year which will contribute to 2 bill, because they will be using their the Greening Government targets. own electricity. If you couple this with a A photovoltaic array (often called a minimum life expectancy of the solar farm) is a linked collection of solar installations of around 20-25 years, the panels created to convert sunlight into solar farms should virtually pay for electricity. An inverter is used to convert themselves twice over during their the DC power produced by the panels lifecycle. This is in addition to the into an Alternating Current (AC), which carbon savings benefit. then feeds into the camps’ electricity distribution system. Five systems have The Landmarc team project managed been installed across the estate: two at the installations, working with Ice Sennybridge and one each at Energy and Defence Infrastructure Castlemartin, Lydd and Chickerell. Each Organisation. This included managing installation is around 800m2 in size and planning applications across four Local capable of generating some 50kWp in Planning Authorities, two of which were Photovoltaic arrays at Sennybridge Training Camp ‘ideal conditions’. National Parks. © Landmarc
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Sustainability at the heart of a state-of-the-art PRIDE development
Aerial shot of the whole development at RAF Wyton © Crown
Sustainable development is recognised Pathfinder building to DI was In order to select the most appropriate as an important contributor to the completed on time in January 2012. and beneficial environmental and Defence of the realm and is one of The remaining technical buildings was energy efficient measures an in-depth seven Defence priorities, i.e., handed over to MOD in Spring 2013. assessment of the energy saving “To deliver Defence in the most effective, measures was performed. Some efficient and sustainable way by, meeting The DIO technical accommodation measures were discounted for reasons benchmarking, efficiency and contract was forecast to complete of their extended payback period, such Government sustainable development within budget, ahead of time and to as the solar hot water system and targets, building on the Defence Reform specification. As part of the programme energy from waste. A wind turbine was Unit’s review”. The state-of-the-art work has been ongoing under Project considered but would have been too buildings now standing at Wyton are Single Living Accommodation large and too noisy and impacted on contributing to this. Modernisation (SLAM) to provide local air traffic. A combined heat and replacement accommodation blocks power system was ruled out as The £308m Programme to Rationalise and messing facilities at Wyton. requirements for this were unlikely to and Integrate the Defence Intelligence be met. Bore holes were recommended The SLAM deliverables are also Estate (PRIDE) development at RAF to facilitate geothermal ground and forecast to deliver to time, budget Wyton involved the construction and surface water heat pumps but there and specification. fit-out of a suite of buildings to provide were concerns over the time taken to technical accommodation for Defence bore and prepare holes, as well as Intelligence (DI) units, which are being From the beginning of the planning the costs and risks regarding co-located in Cambridgeshire. The phase the sustainable design approach correct operation. £155m Maximum Price Target Cost was used. This was to satisfy the (MPTC) contract for the construction of statutory requirements under Part L of The orientation and form of a building the technical buildings was let in April building regulations and meet the 10% can have a huge effect on the energy 2009 providing the foundation for DI to ‘in site renewable’ in site renewable use. On the PRIDE site, layout is limited transform the way in which it delivers under Huntingdon Council planning by the nature of the use of the its outputs. The PRIDE team worked authority requirements. It was also to buildings and the existing buildings closely with the Defence Infrastructure achieve a 10% improvement in CO2 and access routes. For example, there is Organisation (DIO) project team, emissions over Part L requirements to limited scope for glazing given the embedded consultants and the achieve Defence Related Environmental nature of the building and high standalone prime contractor, Skanska Assessment Methodology performance glass has been used (UK) plc, to ensure the handover of (DREAM) credits. which minimises building loads.
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Where there are windows the artificial lighting has appropriate daylight control in order to fully realise the potential energy savings.
Living or green roofs are those which have vegetation on them and this has a beneficial effect on energy performance all year round. Part of the new Pathfinder building roof has a (sedum) green roof which will gain additional DREAM credits. During the winter, this vegetation reduces the wind chill effect, reducing the heat loss. In the summer, the vegetation reduces the heat sink effect as it does not absorb as much heat as concrete would, reducing the cooling load.
Wood fuel is considered to be CO2 neutral because the carbon released from combustion is only what was absorbed by the tree during its life. This option was recommended for PRIDE, subject to confirmation of supply source, facilities and space for delivery of material, including personnel to direct drivers, etc., and sufficient space and facilities for storage. The new buildings have utilised a biomass boiler Close up of the sedum which was used for planting on the roof of the Pathfinder building © Crown in a central low temperature hot water (LTHW) ‘distributed’ heating system. they have grasped this opportunity is with significantly greater performance heartening. By being clear on than we had planned or hoped for at the All in all, passive measures, which are requirements, benefits, responsibilities and outset. This is just the start of a vibrant included in the new building are the programme structure - managing risk and future for Wyton and the Defence high performance glazing and artificial seizing opportunities - we have proved Intelligence community”. lighting with appropriate daylight what MOD people and Defence can do if control as well as a living roof. Active given the resource and freedom to do so. Ms Melissa Barr measures include the utilisation of rain DI ER Communications Support water harvesting for non-potable As we move to occupy our new facilities applications and the biomass boilers. and work through the inevitable snags - we are set to deliver on time, on cost, but The incorporation of these options means that the new PRIDE buildings are as environmentally friendly as we can make them, considering value for money and practicalities.
AVM Jon Rigby, DCI3 and Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) for PRIDE, speaking about Wyton Transformation said:-
“PRIDE Wyton is proving to be an example of MOD and its people operating at their very best to deliver a world beating capability. My Programme and Operational teams have worked hand in glove with DE&S delivery teams; DIO and Industry (particularly SKANSKA the building prime contractor). Their work has taken a building project; integrated it with IT, people and business change opportunities to create this Handover of the building to MOD. (Left to right) Paul Wileman - PRIDE Delivery Manager, Neil Jordison - PRIDE transformation. The manner in which Team Leader, Matt Collins - Skanska Project Director and Rob Dawson - DIO Project Leader © Crown
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Restoring open habitats on the Defence Estate: Heathland at Lulworth Ranges
In 2010 the Forestry Commission (FC) published guidance on how to decide when to convert woodland into open habitat in the UK.
The aim of this ‘open habitats’ policy is threefold:
• Generate biodiverse landscape of open habitat and woodland that provide long term benefits to people and wildlife • Make sure that conversion of woodland results in more open habitat which makes a significant contribution to biodiversity objectives • Minimise any negative impacts on the ability of woodland and forestry to increasingly contribute towards a low carbon economy
When to convert woods and forests to open habitat in England: Government policy (Forestry Commission, 2010)
The policy establishes the principle of the right tree in the right place; the right habitat in the right place; and the right change at the right pace. A key consideration is the need to maintain the total area of woodland in England so the rate of woodland removal and woodland creation is balanced.
The FC policy specifically mentions the Defence estate and highlights the obligations MOD has to restore open habitats. It refers to good work done in recent years to restore grassland and heathland by removing plantations across Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and even cites the MOD’s use of Integrated Rural Management Plans as Sand lizard one of the many rare heathland species that will benefit from the restoration project © Iain Perkins an effective way of identifying
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this also relates to the age of the plantation. For these reasons, amongst others, the chances of restoration are considerably greater if trees are removed before the end of their growing cycle and in the long term this reduces the aftercare costs.
The Lulworth Ranges restoration project is being delivered in partnership with different organisations. The felling proposals were subject to a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which included a noise abatement study. The EIA was subject to public scrutiny before a felling licence was issued by the Forestry Commission. In the long term, the restoration sites will be grazed and managed by Dorset Wildlife Trust and Nightjar and chick © David Kjaer farm tenants as part of Higher Level Stewardship agreements, which have opportunities for restoring open After several years of discussion, a all been initiated by Natural England. habitats, where this is compatible with felling plan is being implemented that military training. will result in the removal of 160 ha of This project has taught us that plantation woodland over a ten year converting plantation woodland to The policy includes a presumption in period and the restoration of these sites open habitat is a complex and long favour of removing woodland growing to lowland heath. All the clearfell sites term process that involves a wide range on SSSIs where it limits the extent of are within the SSSI, which also forms of environmental specialists. Delivering SSSI habitats or species. It sets a target part of Dorset Heaths Special Area of a landscape that supports military for conversion of woodland to open Conservation and Dorset Heathland training in a changing world is equally habitat of about 1,000ha per year. The Special Protection Area. complex. However, the recent increase MOD is making a major contribution to in military training in this area and the this target across several sites and The retention of large areas of discovery of four male nightjar Lulworth Ranges in particular. woodland is essential to provide a territories in 2012 suggests we may just mixed landscape that can support be getting the balance right. Povington Grange Heaths SSSI includes military training. The recent some of the best examples of construction of a Forward Operating Oliver Howells heathland in Dorset. It covers almost Base has reinforced the need to provide Ecologist 800 ha of Lulworth Ranges, including cover for patrolling troops. However, Defence Infrastructure Organisation some large and open expanses. The with the support of the Army the landscape is reminiscent of the wild military need was balanced against the open heath described in the Thomas statutory duty to restore the SSSI and Hardy novel, ‘Return of the Native’. In a the felling programme began in 2010. preface to the novel published in 1895, Hardy wrote that the character of such The Lulworth Ranges plantations are heaths was being “…somewhat typical of many established on the disguised by intrusive strips and slices MOD estate in the second half of the brought under the plough with varying last century. They are even-aged degrees of success, or planted to conifers between 35-50 years old. Some woodland”. Over a hundred years later stands are coming towards the end of we are redressing the encroachment of their growing cycle and while many are Lulworth Range © Crown planted woodland and restoring the being felled prematurely they are still open character. providing a significant economic return.
The benefits to wildlife are tangible. The timing of the felling operations is The Ranges support a host of rare critical to the chances of successful heathland species including Dartford heathland restoration. Much academic warbler, nightjar, sand lizard, smooth study has been devoted to this subject snake, heath tiger beetle, southern and one of the main findings is that damselfly and overwintering hen large, viable seed banks of heathland harriers. All these species will flora can survive beneath conifers for benefit from the creation of areas of up to 40 years and in some cases open heath and a reduction in longer. A deep litter layer of conifer woodland edge. needles limits seed germination and Smooth snake © Iain Perkins
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The RAF Scampton Heritage Centre re-opens A Heritage Centre was created at Scampton in August 1993 to protect the heritage and experiences of those who served there over the years, located in the annexe of Hangar Two, the original home of 617 Sqn during the famous spring of 1943. In early 2012, work began to bring the hangar back onto general maintenance after a period of ‘wind and weather’ upkeep. Unfortunately, there were no public funds to complete the refurbishment after the initial maintenance and so the remarkable story begins.
Friends and volunteers of the Heritage Centre set to work on a ‘self help’ basis, paying for material through the kind donations from visitors, and decorated the annexe from top to bottom. New carpets were fitted and painstaking work was carried out to restore the walls and original metal windows. Chosen for a community development project by the Prince’s Trust in Lincoln, ten disadvantaged teenagers met every day for two weeks to assist with the restoration. The history and artifacts could then be displayed and visitors welcomed.
Officer Cadets from RAF College Cranwell - including a cadet from Afghanistan and a cadet from Trinidad and Tobago, gave up a precious weekend during their intensive six month course to lay gravel and apply yet more paint. The help they provided was invaluable, resulting in the Heritage Centre being ready for the official re-opening on the 22nd June 2012, 69 Model of a Lancaster bomber © Crown years to the day when Wing Commander Guy Gibson and his squadron colleagues went to Since 1916 RAF Scampton has been an active military Buckingham Palace to receive their airfield with a rich and varied history and our most famous bravery awards, including Gibson’s sons are the brave airmen of 617 Sqn, also known as the Victoria Cross. Dambusters. It was an extremely important base post-war, The refurbishment took three months housing one of the United Kingdom’s nuclear deterrents, and is a remarkable tribute to the effort and dedication of a small group of the Blue Steel Missile, carried by the iconic Vulcan bomber. enthusiastic volunteers. Most notably, Today Scampton leads an illustrious life as home to the the office of Wing Commander Guy Gibson has also been restored; close to world famous RAF Aerobatic Team, The Red Arrows, and what it would have looked like in 1943. Number One Air Control Centre. The team of eleven permanent volunteers and tour guides were
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awarded an Air Officer Commanding (AOC) 1 Gp Team Commendation in January 2013 for their contribution to the Heritage Centre and for the renovation project.
The Heritage Centre incorporates over 1,500 items, covering the Station’s history from 1916 to the current day. Force Development visits and Staff Rides can be arranged by contacting FS TDF. Entry is free to the general public and school visits by appointment only. Tours take place throughout the year and includes other well-known sites on the Station; notably the grave of Guy Gibson’s pet black Labrador, the frontage of the old Officers’ Mess, and not to forget Wg Cdr Guy Gibson’s office! On 16th May 2013, RAF Scampton held a Sunset Ceremony to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Dambusters Raid and welcome back two veterans Mr George ‘Johnny Grave of Wg Cdr Guy Gibson’s pet Labrador © Crown Johnson and Mr Les Munro amongst other distinguished guests. Website - www.raf.mod.uk/ rafscampton/aboutus/ To arrange a visit, contact the following: rafscamptonmuseum.cfm
OC Base Support Flight Trip advisor - www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ 01522 733152 Attraction_Review-g186336-d2049455- Reviews-Royal_Air_Force_Scampton_ FS Training and Development Flight Museum-Lincoln_Lincolnshire_ 01522 733140 England.html#REVIEWS Heritage Centre Head Curator 01522 738361 The Heritage Centre has a Facebook page. Flt Lt Sarah James OC Base Support Flight The Heritage Centre is VAQAS RAF Scampton accredited with VistEngland. Maintenance begins © Crown
The Vulcan Room © Crown
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Carbon Target zero
The new E Trucks arrive at Gamecock Barracks © Luke Peat
The E Truck has fewer parts than a In fact, they have been so well received Midland Management conventional car which means by the team at Gamecock Barracks, that operating costs are significantly plans are already underway to Services (MMS), one of reduced with oil changes and introduce a third vehicle at Whittington CarillionEnterprise’s expensive repairs becoming a thing of Barracks in the very near future. supply chain partners, the past. It seats two people comfortably and has a large loading Based on historical business site miles have recently purchased area which can carry up to 400kg. The each vehicle will save at least ¾ tonne of three electric vehicles for vehicle has a maximum speed limit of CO2 per year. use on Regional Prime 50mph and can cover a distance of 50 miles before needing to be recharged. Seaton Price Contracts (Central) sites in Sustainability Manager the Midlands. The second vehicle being used by MMS CarillionEnterprise Ltd & is the Citroen Berlingo electrique which MODern Housing Solutions Ltd is a 100% electric version of the Since the beginning of April 2013, MMS Berlingo van. Slightly larger than the E operatives at Gamecock Barracks have Truck it has a maximum range of 40 been using two of the vehicles to carry miles of typical driving, but is able to out their maintenance services on site. reach a speed of 59mph. Again it has all They have already reduced their carbon the advantages of the E Truck with footprint, reduced the cost of vehicle reduced maintenance costs and zero repairs and more significantly, achieved fuel costs. zero fuel costs! Both vehicles can be charged overnight The first of the two vehicles is known as in just six hours for as little as 10 pence an E Truck and is virtually silent when per charge! running. In addition, it does not require petrol, oil or a road licence and can be The new electric vehicles are ideally recharged anywhere by plugging into a suited for the day to day response jobs standard electrical outlet. that the team need to carry out on site. Energy saving E Truck © Luke Peat
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Safeguarding Britain’s endangered White-clawed crayfish white-clawed) and confirm the habitat was good enough to support the introduced population. This included a survey of water levels, water quality, prey populations and other key habitat features. It’s a short isolated catchment and like many MOD sites the water quality is very good due to the absence of agricultural inputs on surrounding land. The lack of public access was also deemed beneficial because this reduces the risk of inadvertent disease transfer. Can MOD Conservation Groups help?
Finding ways to eradicate signal crayfish and to halt their spread is an ongoing challenge. Firstly, it is crucial that no more non-native crayfish are moved to new areas, which is why removing any White-clawed crayfish © Crown crayfish from the wild requires The white-clawed crayfish wildlife, as these animals were permission from the Environment Austropotamobius pallipes, the UK’s only subsequently released or escaped into Agency. Secondly, there is a great deal native crayfish species, was once rivers. In addition to the impact on our of misinformation that eating a few widespread in rivers across England and native crayfish, signal crayfish are also signal crayfish will help white-clawed Wales. They are best imagined as now known to damage fish crayfish. Although this all sounds very freshwater cousins of the lobster and populations (affecting anglers) and worthwhile, the scientific evidence can grow up to 12cm in length. destabilise river banks. suggests that it does not help. Catastrophic declines in recent decades mean this crayfish is at risk of What is being done to benefit For the white-clawed crayfish in the extinction, and conservation action is White-clawed crayfish on new MOD Ark site, the future looks urgently needed. MOD land? good. A monitoring regime will be put in place, with support from Dorset Pollution and damage to river habitats A solution to safeguard white-clawed Wildlife Trust, as part of their work with have played a part in the decline of the crayfish is to re-locate ‘at-risk’ the MOD Conservation Group. It is white-clawed crayfish, however the populations to safe-haven waterbodies, hoped they will thrive long into most devastating threat is from non- known as ‘Ark sites’. Ark sites must be the future. native crayfish species, such as the isolated (to minimise risk of non-native American signal crayfish Pacifastacus crayfish colonisation) with little human Lydia Robbins leniusculus, which is spreading and disturbance. The South West Crayfish Ecologist, South West Crayfish out-competes white-clawed crayfish for Project has been a pioneer in this Partnership food and space. Many signal crayfish conservation technique and recently also harbour an organism which can teamed up with the Defence infect and wipe out native crayfish Infrastructure Organisation to establish populations in weeks - nicknamed an Ark site on land owned by the MOD ‘crayfish plague’. in Dorset. Led by a team from Avon Wildlife Trust, Buglife and the How did they get here? Environment Agency, DIO ecologists helped to relocate and release In the 1970s, signal crayfish farming was white-clawed crayfish from a seen by the Government as an option threatened population in Dorset to for farming diversification, and the the new safe haven in May 2013. non-native crayfish was introduced to lakes and ponds as part of farm Prior to this, the release site was diversification schemes. Since then it surveyed in detail to check there was A small pool was an ideal location for has been a terrible news story for river no existing population (signal or the first release © Crown
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‘Cannon to Right of them, Cannon to Left of them’ Historic Range targets on Salisbury Plain
15-pounders of the Honourable Artillery Company at Fargo Camp © US Library of Congress
Germany in 1901. Bought to evaluate seemed too important a pair of It doesn’t take long for new weapons platforms that had artefacts to simply leave to rust away. wreaked havoc against the British Army current events to become in the Boer War, these ‘Ehrhardt’ guns On a snow-laden February day, during a history, and from there to were to revolutionise the development shut down period, a team of gunners of artillery in Britain. Indeed they would from the Royal School of Artillery at pass into the realms of be re-carriaged and used against Axis Larkhill, with infantry support from the archaeology. Take, for forces in the Great War. Riflemen of ‘Operation Nightingale’ example, the life-story of excavated the areas of both guns whilst The guns came to the end of their 135 Geographic Squadron, Royal two artillery pieces found useful lives and were eventually placed Engineers, surveyed the resulting finds. on Salisbury Plain and as range targets on the Larkhill impact The team soon found that work on one area. With the imminent centenary of of the field pieces would have to cease excavated as part of the Great War however, interest in such when live ordnance was encountered ‘Operation Nightingale’, pieces of military equipment is growing and the site ATO (Ammunition - especially when one considers that Technical Officer) advised a speedy the recovery programme there are no other 15 pounders that retreat! This particular gun still held an for service personnel survive in Britain. identification plate from its carriage, which assisted in the identification using Cultural Heritage. Found thanks to the sharp eyes of Cpl process. The other gun was a greater Martin Puxley of the RAF when he success and, after a hard day’s work, accompanied the author, ex-gunner was recovered and taken back to These Ordnance QF (Quick Firing) 15 Mark Khan of the Larkhill and Larkhill before plans to restore it to pounders were from a consignment of Westdown Conservation Group, and former glories could be enacted. There 108 originally purchased from the Sgt Graham Moore of the RAF on a are a few images of the Honourable Rheinische Metallwaren Company in foray to look at historic crash sites, these Artillery Company (HAC) using this type
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of gun which survive; denoted as being at Fargo at Aldershot (in fact Salisbury Plain) and it is tempting to think that one of these is the very gun found by the service personnel.
The excavation formed a perfect precursor for the next work of ‘Operation Nightingale’ - the improvement of a Scheduled Monument at Woolwich to enable it to be taken off the English Heritage ‘At Risk’ list. This monument, a linear fortification constructed at the start of the 19th century was now overgrown with scrub and a team including English Heritage, Mark Sanderson from DIO, soldiers from 7 Rifles, and The all-important data plate that was recovered from one of the gun carriages © Crown volunteers worked for a morning to remove all this undergrowth. The results were such that the condition of the monument was greatly improved and the Statutory Body delighted with the change to this artillery monument.
Richard Osgood Senior Archaeologist Defence Infrastructure Organisation
Clearing the soil around the carriage continues © Crown
Recovering the gun carriage © Mark Khan
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Pond Conservation Flagship pond projects
The Fowl’s Pill sits at the heart of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation’s Otmoor Range © Phil Cutt
programme to protect and manage organisations. We have already The last few years have these critical and fragile wildlife sites. At identified a number of Flagship Ponds a time when around 90% of our on military land and expect to find seen growing awareness lowland freshwaters are degraded, more given the generally high of the remarkable many as a result of intractable pollution biological quality of ponds on the importance of ponds for problems, equipping volunteers and land managed by the Defence professionals to help safeguard these Infrastructure Organisation. freshwater life. wonderful places is a vital activity. The identification of our Flagship Ponds The aim of the Flagship Ponds project is started back in the early 1990s when to help local groups and site managers Despite the comparatively tiny size of Pond Conservation began surveying monitor and manage these special sites most ponds, across the landscape they ponds throughout the country. The so that they stay special - something collectively support a wider variety of results of the these early surveys were which we can no longer take for freshwater plants and animals than later used to identify the first Flagship granted. The project started as a pilot in either rivers or lakes, and more of our Ponds, including the heathland pools of Wales during 2011-12, supported by most endangered freshwater species. the Lizard in Cornwall, Dorset and the the Countryside Council for Wales (now Amongst the many thousands of New Forest in Hampshire, the part of the new ‘Natural Resources wonderful ponds we still have, 500 or remarkable Norfolk pingos, the huge Wales’ organisation). It established a so of the very best are in the process of concentration of clay pit ponds simple monitoring protocol intended to being identified as ‘Flagship Ponds’ around Peterborough that support provide an early warning system to under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. the UK’s largest great crested newt raise the alarm if there are threats or These are the crème de la crème of population and the moorland ponds changes to a pond. Britain’s freshwater habitats and jewels of the Lake District. in the landscape that make a unique The initial trial focused on two areas: contribution to Britain’s wildlife. Now, at the beginning of 2013, we have Dowrog Common, an area of lowland about half of the planned 500 Flagship heathland in North Pembrokeshire Now Pond Conservation, working in sites identified with the list to be renowned for its endangered water partnership with a range of completed as part of the new project, plants, such as pillwort, three-lobed organisations, is beginning a new in consultation with local groups and crowfoot, yellow centaury and lesser
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water plantain; and Brefcha Pool near now only one or two of the original and is found on the outer margins of Brecon, noted for its mud snail and colonies of natterjack toads remain in well-established ponds and river pillwort populations. The Dowrog southern England although the species meadows, including ridge and furrow surveys indicated that the ponds were has been reintroduced in several places. systems. This species has appreciably well protected by the surrounding Under licence from the MOD, wildlife declined because of drainage, heathland - an environment providing charity Amphibian and Reptile eutrophication, weed control and a good supply of clean and unpolluted Conservation manages almost 200ha of conversion to arable. Most losses water. In contrast, project volunteers Woolmer Forest, including the western appear to have occurred since 1950. were able to highlight some potential part that has many water bodies of Tassel stonewort is a specialised plant threats to Brefcha, mainly from different sizes and depths created over of seasonal ponds and needs regular agricultural runoff. the last 20 years. Woolmer shows us drying out to survive. Its once-common how heathland still provides an ideal habitat - clean water and ponds that Over the next three years, and building environment for freshwater plants and dry out in summer - has been lost from on the pilot, Pond Conservation now animals. As well as protecting these most of the lowland countryside and plans to roll out the Flagship Ponds important waterbodies, the Flagship Otmoor provides one of the few places Project across the whole of England Ponds project will help create even where this species can still be found in and Wales, including several military more new breeding pools for southern England. Otmoor is one of sites. Altogether the programme will natterjacks, and other endangered those sites which have only limited work initially with around 100 local plants and animals, as well as providing monitoring at present and although it groups, 1-2 per county, to monitor and money for training and practical looks as though it’s staying in good protect the very most important ponds conservation work. condition, without regular surveys (or groups of ponds) and, where and support for the local volunteers possible, strengthen the resource by Moving further up the country, to helping to manage the site, we can creating new high quality ponds. Oxfordshire, Otmoor Range gives a never be sure that the site won’t glimpse into the farmland of 100 years decline in quality. The Flagship Ponds already selected on ago, before modern methods took over military land give an indication of just and left most lowland waters By the end of the three year project we how important these special contaminated by nutrients, sediments envisage a self sustaining network of waterbodies are. Two sites in southern and other chemicals. At the heart of this expert volunteers, across the landscape, England give a flavour of the way in intensively used rifle range, on low- who are equipped with the monitoring which military activity helps protect intensity extensive grassland, lie two of techniques needed to identify threats, life in freshwater: Woolmer Forest the countries finest wildlife ponds: the know when to raise the alarm if things and Otmoor. Fowls Pill and the New Pill. Managed in look like they are taking a turn for the co-operation with local farmers these worse, and who are able to get the help Woolmer Forest in Hampshire has been two ponds remind us of what has been they need from specialist advisers and a British Army training area since 1880 lost from large parts of the countryside. conservation funders. So, the future is and is now the only site in the Britain Fed by unpolluted water draining the beginning to look just a bit rosier for which supports all twelve native grasslands that make up the range, the these wonderful places. amphibian and reptile species. Its site is famous for its sheets of white- ponds are important particularly for the flowered water-violets in spring and for For further information contact only native population of natterjack a variety of endangered water plants Kathryn Walker at Pond Conservation toads Bufo calamita in southern like tubular water-dropwort Oenanthe ([email protected]). England. Although once common on fistulosa and tassel stonewort. Tubular the heaths of Surrey and Hampshire, water-dropwort is a declining species Jeremy Biggs and around the coast of East Anglia, which is classed as Vulnerable in the UK, Director at Pond Conservation
Woolmer Forest the only site in the Britain which supports all twelve native amphibian and reptile species © John Buckley
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Carbon Savings in Action RNAS Culdrose runways
Aerial photograph of airfield taxiways © Crown
This Defence Infrastructure Delivered through the Regional Prime removed and segregated, which was Organisation (DIO) and Lend Lease Contract South West, a fundamental reused as replacement aggregate by project reconstructed the airfield principle was agreed from the start of encapsulation within the dry lean taxiways and sections of runways, this project to ensure that all of the concrete (DLC) mix. If this had not been together with the airfield ground waste arising from the resurfacing reused on site then it would have been lighting and ancillary equipment, at works and regrade areas were retained disposed of to landfill in Swindon, 225 Royal Naval, Air Station (RNAS) Culdrose, on site for reuse. This made a miles away. The reuse of the tar-bound one of Britain’s busiest Fleet Air Arm substantial contribution to reducing material on site saved 40,750 kg CO2 military airfields. volumes of virgin materials used within from unused travel miles. This reuse of the works and both the carbon and aggregate also made up 28% of the embodied energy associated with total material required for the DLC, transportation, quarrying and disposal. therefore reducing the requirement for Early liaison with the local specialist new aggregate being brought to site. supply chain also ensured that the The nearest supplier was Melbur Quarry project was aiming for zero waste at St Column, which was a 64 mile off-site from the outset. return journey. The reuse saved 19,346kg of CO2 from these journeys. During the works, 18,645 tonnes of The site also had its own batching plant existing pavement surface was planed which reduced transportation of DLC out and the different types of material from off site. were segregated as the works progressed. All the material was reused All other excavated materials were in the works as delethalisation material crushed and blended for reuse on site, to the runway edges or ends, which including stone, the existing DLC and also included 973m3 previously PQ concrete. This was processed on site stockpiled from the previous project. and reused as sub-base or fill to provide flat areas in safety zones or to assist 5,637 tonnes of tar-bound material with drainage in areas where the Breaking the concrete © Lend Lease/Debut from below the pavement was airfield had ponding problems.
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Some 13,696m3 of topsoil was processed on site and reused, all metal from site was recycled and the FSC timber shuttering for the concrete bases was reused up to 20 times each. All other waste from site, e.g. office and welfare, had a diversion from landfill rate of 94%.
As part of the project, Lend Lease also reseeded 84ha of grass with a new airfield seed mix. This resulted in the following benefits to both carbon sequestration and mowing regime.
The main benefit to the MOD was through savings in materials and costs for the disposal of hazardous waste at Swindon. It has been estimated that the saving of re-using the tar-bound material on site was in the order of £900k. Saw cutting runway © Lend Lease/Debut
There have also been positive benefits A ‘Good Practice’ Case Study is being Agency is also interested in using it as a to the local community through developed in liaison with RNAS Case Study example to promote good reductions in transportation to and Culdrose to promote the project work practice to others nationally. from the Helston site. Other benefits locally and within the MOD. have come from saving landfill space, Catherine Pinney fuel and carbon release from RNAS Culdrose is a major employer for Environment and Sustainability Manager, transportation to landfill sites in both the area and this project was locally Lend Lease Cornwall and Swindon. very important. The Environment
Existing Ryegrass/Fescue mix New Perennial Ryegrass mix UK carbon sequestration level 562.80 tonne per year lock up 1,501.92 tonne per year lock up Frequency of mowing 22 times per year 10-15 times per year
939.12 tonne per year Carbon Lock-up Benefit sequestration plus CO2 saving on - 50% of mowing regime
Reuseing the aggregate prior to resurfacing © Lend Lease/Debut
Sanctuary 42 • 2013 51 FEATURES
Bare peat restoration on Warcop Military Range
An example of the bare peat on Warcop Fell on large (13.5 ha) eroded peat body © Alistair Lockett What is bare peat and why management and over grazing can sites, totalling 113ha of bare peat, have restore it? damage bog vegetation which can been classified as ‘high priority’. These cause peat to actively erode. Landslides, are areas that show signs of active Blanket bog is an internationally bog bursts after extreme weather erosion with little sign of re- important habitat, with a healthy events or natural slumping of old hags colonisation by cotton grasses or functioning bog having the ability to can also create areas of bare peat. other species. sequester carbon. However, when a Grazing pressures and harsh weather blanket bog is degraded, or worse, has conditions can prevent these areas Meetings between staff from NPAP, the no vegetation at all, it leaves the peat naturally re-vegetating. MOD and Natural England have vulnerable to erosion through frost resulted in plans being drawn up to heave, drying, wind and water damage. A partnership between The North start restoring the worst bare peat sites. Along with losing valuable vegetation, Pennines AONB Partnership (NPAP), the The project will start by restoring it is the release of carbon into the MOD and Natural England aims to approximately 20ha of bare peat. Once atmosphere and nearby water courses survey and begin to restore bare peat this work is completed we will look at that poses the greatest problem to areas at Warcop so that further loss can expanding our work to the other high the environment. be prevented and bogs can be priority sites on Warcop and Murton returned to full health. Fells. The North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Warcop and surrounding areas contains the largest peat bog in England at 90,000ha. Of that total, Both Warcop and the adjoining Murton 2,800ha of bare peat has been Fells are nationally and internationally identified, and some of it has been protected and have been officially found at Warcop. Why these areas first designated as Sites of Special Scientific started to erode is not always clear. Air Interest (SSSI), a status gained for both pollution and acid rain have caused the its blanket bogs and its collection of loss of sphagnum (a moss that breeding waders which includes contributes to the formation of peat curlews, golden plover and bogs) from many moors in the Peak oystercatchers. District and Southern Pennines. However, air pollution levels are lower The entire Warcop military range was in the North Pennines and so other surveyed in 2012/2013 revealing factors have contributed to the loss of fantastic bog habitat which is home to bog vegetation. For example, a range of sphagnum mosses and moorland burning for grouse dwarf shrubs. From the initial survey 35 Peat forming sphagnum © Laura Harrington
52 Sanctuary 42 • 2013 FEATURES
Warcop aerial photograph showing bare peat areas © NextPerspectives
The North Pennines AONB Partnership subsequent drying and erosion by plastic matting or helicopters to will use a five step restoration plan. wind. The heather brash will also transport materials to the restoration provide material for moss and other sites, which will protect the bog. • Control of grazing plants to grow on Normally this will be a temporary “This is the first time we have worked with stock fence for the exclusion of • Re-vegetation the MOD restoring peatlands. MOD staff sheep and deter people from driving To encourage the growth of plants have been helpful and enthusiastic about and walking over the site. However, on bare peat, additional seed and the restoration works and I am looking due to access constraints and the nutrients can be added during the forward to working with a new partner to low numbers of sheep grazing on initial stage of restoration. Small complete this work. It’s testament to the Warcop Fell (with the sheep being amounts of phosphate and lime will organisation’s commitment to off-wintered), a fence will not be be added to improve soil conditions, conservation that these large scale works erected and then heather and cotton grass are going ahead.” seed will be added along with • Hydrology fragments of sphagnum moss Alistair Lockett Running water within bare peat sites Conservation Assistant with the North can prevent re-colonisation and The bare peat sites on Warcop are in a Pennines AONB Partnership cause new erosion to occur. Leaky very remote location surrounded by dams will be placed along these healthy, but sensitive, blanket bog. The active channels to slow the water NPAP has previously used temporary down which, in turn, will promote re-vegetation by cotton grasses and other bog species
• Steep slopes Steep slopes need to be stabilised in order to prevent erosion in flood conditions and promote plant establishment. Slopes need to be less than 33° for stabilisation treatments to work. This can mean reducing the slope by re-profiling or similar engineering works
• Heather brash All of the bare peat will be covered with a thin layer of cut heather. This will prevent frost heave and the Volunteers spreading heather brash as part of peatland restoration works, winter 2012 © Alistair Lockett
Sanctuary 42 • 2013 53 FEATURES
Expedition Painted Shrimp Ascension Island
Scarlet striped cleaner shrimp Lysnata grabhami © Shallow Marine Survey Group
Ascension Island is an isolated volcanic photographing the wide diversity of hawksbill turtle which was tagged, island in the equatorial waters of the marine life found on the rocky reefs measured and released from South Atlantic, around 1,600 kilometers fringing the island. Georgetown pierhead. One of the from the coast of Africa and 2,250 smallest creatures recorded and kilometers from the coast of South The FI SAC team were fully involved in captured was a tiny sea slug, belonging America. It harbours globally important all the research work including to a genus called Sacoglossa, living on biodiversity, potentially representing a intertidal and sub-tidal surveys, the green alga Bryopsis. unique assemblage of Western and quantitative photo-quadrats, species Eastern Atlantic flora and fauna. The collecting and processing, photography Some project statistics: British military presence provides a and support to the scientists forward operating base in Ascension for conducting research. This remarkable • 80 under water quantitative and the Falklands and West Africa. This and ambitious international effort was, qualitative transacts completed location comes under the command of and continues to be, fully supported by • 120 Joint Nature Conservation the British Forces South Atlantic Islands. the Ascension Island Government. Committee (JNCC) survey forms completed The Falklands Islands Sub Aqua Club Records from the expedition will be • Over 600 species recorded (FI SAC), a military diving club based at used to construct faunal and floral • 180 crabs caught and measured Mount Pleasant Complex in the species inventories, habitat descriptions • 1 Hawksbill turtle tagged, genetic Falkland Islands, was asked if it would and maps, a field guide to marine sample taken and measured support the Shallow Marine Survey invertebrates, algae and fish, a report • 8,000 under water photos taken Group based in the Falklands on a three on the status of marine endemics, a week marine research expedition. The report on the potential impacts of At the end of the three week expedition request to FI SAC was to provide logistic climate change and a report on the FI SAC team were exhausted but expertise and scuba diver support to sustainable fishing. An entire edition of exhilarated and felt very privileged to Ascension. This was a Darwin funded the Journal of the Marine Biological have been involved in such an exciting project - a UK Government initiative to Association of the UK is to be dedicated project. Phase two of the project assist countries that are rich in to the results of this expedition. The commences June 2013. biodiversity but poor in financial expedition recorded several species resources. new to Ascension and to science, which To learn more about the trip, the is extremely exciting! expedition blog can be viewed at In August 2012, five FI SAC scuba divers www.smsg-falklands.org/blog. joined over twenty scientists from The largest species encountered and around the world, including Greece, photographed was a group of Lt Col Simon Browning Germany, Madeira, Scotland, England bottlenose dolphins that accompanied OIC Falkland Islands Sub Aqua Club and the Falkland Islands. The purpose one of the dive boats on the way to was to spend three weeks collecting, Boatswain Bird Island. The largest Sarah Lee Secretary recording, cataloguing, measuring and creature captured was certainly the Falkland Islands Sub Aqua Club
54 Sanctuary 42 • 2013 FEATURES
QinetiQ goes Passive at MOD Aberporth to identify vocalisations and echo location emissions from marine mammals. Commercial, off-the-shelf equipment is generally expensive and requires the hydrophone and monitoring equipment to be placed in close proximity to where the activity takes place. Therefore, the QinetiQ employees on the Range needed a solution that was cost-effective but robust, given that it would be placed in a very hostile environment with a very real risk of damage or loss. It also had to be capable of being operated remotely, from the Operations Centre on the Range headland - which is in excess of 20 miles from the target area!
Thanks to the determination and innovation of QinetiQ’s Martin Pope, an engineer from Surface Target Solutions Bottlenose dolphin found off the waters of MOD Aberporth © Crown (STS) based at MOD Aberporth, a QinetiQ recognises the benefits of thus strives to implement control bespoke system, tailored specifically to sustainable development in the measures that meet best practice, meet the needs of the Range, was conduct of its activities. A clear ensuring the potential risk to the successfully developed and Environment and Sustainability Policy environment is as low as possible. subsequently deployed in 2011. During drives continuous improvement in our that time the system saw its first environmental performance In 2010, the Joint Nature Conservation operational use for live air-to-surface throughout the business. Council (JNCC) released guidance for firings with, crucially, the ability to halt minimising the risk of injury to marine the activity if marine mammals were QinetiQ manages the Range at MOD mammals, resulting from the use of detected. Since then, the system has Aberporth under a 25-year Long Term explosives. Existing legislation, namely undergone some minor modifications Partnering Agreement (LTPA), delivering the Conservation of Habitats and to further improve the scope of Test and Evaluation (T&E), and training Species Regulations 2010 (England and detection, enabling QinetiQ to play an support services to the UK MOD and Wales) (as amended in 2012) and the even more active role in marine Defence contractors. On this particular Offshore Marine Conservation (Natural conservation, while at the same time Air Range, the company specialises in Habitats, &c.) Regulations 2007 (as delivering essential test and evaluation the T&E of guided weapons and aircraft amended in 2009 and 2010) make it an services to the MOD. systems, often via complex trials. offence to deliberately kill, injure or Situated within the Range Danger Area disturb marine European Protected Danny Oldfield is the Cardigan Bay Special Area of Species. This includes all cetaceans in Environment Advisor Conservation (SAC). A number of UK waters. MOD Aberporth species and habitats have been identified as being of European Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) is Paul Rowley importance. A key feature of the SAC is recommended within the guidance as Range Safety Engineer its resident population of bottlenose best practice mitigation at the time of MOD Aberporth dolphin. It is the largest in Europe and operation. To date, the detection of one of only two significant populations marine mammals in the vicinity of the within the UK. targets deployed by QinetiQ at the MOD Aberporth Range has relied Over the years, the Range has worked exclusively on remote camera systems closely with The Countryside Council and visual observations by aircrew, for Wales (now Natural Resources since all personnel are excluded Wales), to ensure business activities do from the area when a trial is not have an adverse impact on the being conducted. environment. QinetiQ recognises that certain trials activity has the potential to In simple terms, PAM utilises a Award winning Passive Acoustic Monitoring System cause harm to marine mammals, and hydrophone and processing equipment © QinetiQ
Sanctuary 42 • 2013 55 FEATURES
Green light for continued military training on Cramber Training Area, Dartmoor
Crazy Well Pool on Cramber Training Area © Crown Whereas the MOD do not require Development Test. Clearly as the Military training has been planning permission to train over most application to continue training on CTA of Dartmoor, due to such use was within the National Park boundary taking place on Dartmoor pre-dating the planning legislation, this and covered a large area the Major for about 200 years, and a concentration of training on CTA post Development Test was triggered. This permanent training area the Sharp Report triggered the meant that as well as demonstrating requirement for planning consultation. the on-going military need for was established as early The MOD have subsequently been continued training on CTA , the Major as 1875. granted a series of time limited Development Test had to prove that consents by Dartmoor National Park such military use was not adversely Authority. These consents have affecting the ecology, archaeology or The size of the training area has contained planning conditions which public enjoyment of the area. Rather fluctuated over the years, but its have ensured a level of environmental than commission consultants to present extent has been reasonably protection and monitoring has been prepare the document, and undertake constant since a Public Inquiry, held in on-going. The latest of these consents supporting surveys, DIO Land 1975 into military activity within expired in January 2013. To continue Management Services and Professional National Parks; resulting in what is using the area, MOD had to apply for Technical Services undertook to known as the Sharp Report. The Sharp full planning permission to continue to prepare the document in-house, relying Report suggested that the military use train on CTA for the first time since on a mixture of in-house surveys and of one particular area of Dartmoor losing Crown immunity within commissioned surveys in discussion should be reduced, and the displaced planning legislation. with Dartmoor National Park dry training (i.e. training without live Authority staff. ammunition) should be concentrated Planning legislation requires that any on 848ha of land, which became development in excess of 1ha within a The archaeological condition survey known as Cramber Training Area (CTA) sensitive area requires a further formal was undertaken by eminent local in 1980. planning process called the Major archaeologist, and Conservation Group
56 Sanctuary 42 • 2013 FEATURES
agents and military representatives to discuss the application and raise any particular concerns. It was apparent that, as per the visitor surveys results, the vast majority of people attending the LAF and/or public briefing day did not perceive the military as having a negative on CTA.
The surveys, briefings, and preparation of the documentation was a huge undertaking, with many long hours put in by the various members of the team. The planning application was submitted to Dartmoor National Park Authority and went before the Planning Committee in February 2013. Following considerable discussion between the Committee members, they recognised that with the existing planning constraints the MOD’s activities were being carried out in such a way as to prevent damage to the area and planning permission was granted to the for the continued use of the area for a further 40 years. Visitors enjoying Cramber Training Area © Crown member, Tom Greeves. CTA’s well training on CTA and if so whether the Nigel Sharpe documented archaeology highlights a use of the area for military training was Senior Estate Advisor number of scheduled and non- having an impact on their visits. The Defence Infrastructure Organisation scheduled monuments across the area surveys were carried out over a number ranging from old boundary stones, of months during both peak and Richard Brooks through tin working remains to off-peak visitor days. The surveys were Senior Access and Recreation Advisor prehistoric stone rows. A thorough not only completed on CTA itself but Defence Infrastructure Organisation survey was undertaken of each asset also on nearby areas of a similar and compared with previous surveys to landscape value to capture any monitor condition. The survey potential visitor who was demonstrated that the archaeology discouraged from accessing CTA was generally in a stable condition with by the military activity. no damage or reduction in condition attributable to military activity. DIO also undertook a survey of events organisers who had previously run The impact of military training on the recreational events on CTA to ascertain ecology was also assessed in detail. This if the military activity had impacted assessment was undertaken by one of negatively upon their events. DIOs in-house ecologists, Olly Howells. In addition to checking the Devon Analysis of the survey results Biodiversity Records Centre records for demonstrated that the majority of rare species, there were a number of actual and potential users were aware site surveys on areas where training that CTA was a military training area, tended to concentrate to check that and understood the type of training such military activities were not activities. With very few exceptions, reducing the quality of the moorland most people did not think that military vegetation type or causing erosion. The use of the area spoiled their enjoyment surveys showed that the military use of the area and they would continue to was not having any such impact on visit the site. the vegetation. Prior to the finalisation of documents The final series of surveys related to the and planning submission DIO briefed public enjoyment of the site. DIOs Head the Dartmoor Local Access Forum (LAF) of Access and Recreation, Richard and ran a community briefing day in Brooks commissioned a series of Princetown where anyone with an independent visitor surveys, during interest in CTA or the planning which members of the public were application could drop in and meet asked if they were aware of military DIOs environmental specialists, land Stone cross at Cramber © Crown
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MOD supports Coronation Meadows
a nearby farm on the Mendips, with Somerset Wildlife Trust overseeing the work.
Otterburn Training Area has species- rich upland hay meadows and there are several potential candidates for a Coronation Meadow here. One example is at Barrowburn, in Northumberland National Park. There are two adjacent meadows which are some of the few remaining species-rich upland hay meadows in the county and are managed by a tenant farmer who sympathetically manages the land. He grazes his sheep there in the spring before taking them off for the summer to allow the wildflowers to grow and set seed, then returns them after a late summer hay cut, usually in early August. The fields have European Special Area of Conservation (SAC) Chancellors farm © Steve Bond status and are particularly known for The Ministry of Defence has been through a public footpath or by their displays of wood cranesbill, but playing its part in an exciting new agreement with landowner on also contain alchemillas, pignut and project called Coronation Meadows. certain dates. yellow rattle providing excellent nectar The project was inspired and initiated supplies for upland invertebrates such by HRH The Prince of Wales, and One of the front runners in the project as the mountain bumblebee. launched at Highgrove on the 5th June is Chancellors Farm Somerset, part of 2013. The aim of the project is to Yoxter Training Camp and Range, used Seed has already been taken from the celebrate the 60th anniversary of The by Wessex Reserve Forces and Cadets Barrowburn fields to improve others in Queen’s coronation by helping to Association for tactical training and as a the Northumberland National Park. The reverse the enormous loss of wildflower weapons range by both Cadets, Ministry of Defence is continuing to meadows across the United Kingdom. Reservists and regular soldiers. It is liaise with the project and continues to The project aims to identify a flagship managed by Somerset Wildlife Trust as seek other opportunities for suitable flower-rich meadow in each of the 107 a nature reserve and working farm. It is parcels of land to take part. counties of England, Wales, Scotland grazed by native breeds including Black and Northern Ireland and from each to Welsh Mountain sheep and Ruby Red www.coronationmeadows.org.uk then create at least one new county Devon cattle and cut for hay. wildflower meadow using the original Dan Merrett donor Coronation Meadows as a This year seed was collected from the Coronation Meadows Project Manager seed source. meadow using a brush harvester and Plantlife will be used to seed a new meadow at The partnership project is led by Plantlife with The Wildlife Trusts and the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, each of which shares His Royal Highness as their patron. Over 60 of the 107 donor Coronation Meadows have been identified and it is hoped the remainder will be identified by the end of the year.
For the new meadow creation to be successful the receptor sites need to have similar characteristics to the donor meadow, with low levels of nutrients in the soil and contain few pernicious weeds. There is also a requirement that both donor and receptor meadows are suitably managed and have some level of public access, either full time Barrowburn meadow © Northumberland National Parks
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Around the Regions with the Conservation Groups
There are over 120 Conservation Groups operating across the MOD. The following Key: UK map section provides an update on the dedicated work of some of these groups. Featured Regional 1. RAF Valley, Anglesey Conservation Group 2. RAF Halton, Buckinghamshire Other Regional Conservation Group 3. Air Weapons Range Pembrey, Camarthenshire 4. MOD Pendine, Camarthenshire 5. Ballykinler, County Down 6. Magilligan, County Londonderry 7. Lympstone, Devon 8. Bovington and Lulworth, Dorset 12 9. Colchester, Essex 10. MOD Shoeburyness, Essex 11. MDP HQ Wethersfield, Essex 6 22 12. RAF Leuchars, Fife 13. DIO Ops Training Home Counties, 5 33 Hampshire 34 14. HMS Excellent, Whale Island, Hampshire 32 19 15. Newtown Range and Jersey Camp, Isle of Wight 17 1 16. DIO Ops Training South East, Kent and East Sussex 18 21 17. Air Weapons Range Donna Nook, Lincolnshire 25
18. Air Weapons Range Holbeach, Lincolnshire 11 9 4 2 19. Altcar Training Camp, Merseyside 23 3 20 10 20. Caerwent, Monmouthshire 13 29 30 28 31 26 16 21. Stanford Training Area, Norfolk 24 14 27 7 15 22. Otterburn, Northumberland 8 23. Castlemartin, Pembrokeshire 24. RNAS Merryfield, Somerset 25. RAF Lakenheath, Suffolk 36 26. Pippingford Park, East Sussex 37
27. Thorney Island, West Sussex 35 28. Bulford, Wiltshire 29. Imber, Wiltshire 30. Larkhill and Westdown, Wiltshire 34. Ripon Parks, North Yorkshire 37. British Forces South Atlantic Islands, Falklands 31. Winterbourne Gunner, Wiltshire 35. Sovereign Base Areas, Cyprus 32. DST Leconfield Carrs, East Yorkshire 36. British Forces Gibraltar, 33. Catterick, North Yorkshire Gibraltar
Sanctuary 42 • 2013 59 AROUND THE REGIONS
Spotlight on... MOD Pendine, Camarthenshire 4
Coastal view from the east lookout © QinetiQ Hidden amongst the dramatic coastal Danger Area extends up to 23,000ft. I have jumped in with both feet to landscape of the South West Wales Pendine was designated a Site of progress the Integrated Rural coastline on a Site of Special Scientific Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Management Plan (IRMP) and re- Interest (SSSI) is Europe’s longest Test Special Area of Conservation (SAC) for establish the Conservation Group. and Evaluation Track? Here at MOD the coastal habitats; sand dunes, Pendine the Ranges and Test Track are grazing marsh and one of Wales’s most The Conservation Group met in managed by QinetiQ as part of the important freshwater pools all occur October 2012 for the first time in seven Long Term Partnering Agreement within the Pendine estate. Water voles years to discuss past, current and (LTPA). live in the ditches, otters and waterfowl proposed future management on the inhabit the freshwater lake, hares and site as part of the Pendine IRMP. A Since the summer of 1940, MOD deer use the sand dunes, wintering number of organisations such as Pendine has been an establishment to waders feed along the shoreline and Natural Resources Wales, the Test, Evaluations and Training common scoter feed just offshore in Carmarthenshire Biodiversity support to the armed forces in a land the winter. Pendine Sands and Partnership, Sea Trust and local experts area of 20.5km² which consists of Laugharne Burrows also form part of a have advised and contributed to the numerous different Ranges, each with Geological Conservation Review Site positive management of the habitats. individual capabilities. The section of (Carmarthen Bay; GCR site no. 2102) We hope that over the next couple of coastline is known for its high tidal for its natural processes and years the management and detailed range of up to 8m and the 9km of anthropogenic modifications. monitoring of the site will evolve into shoreline has been used in the past for an established database providing aircraft landing training sorties, whilst Since taking up my post as Community greater knowledge of what is present the large Sea Danger Area stretches and Environmental Liaison Officer at on the area. For example there are a few over approximately 18km², and the Air MOD Pendine in early autumn 2012 small herds of deer which we believe
60 Sanctuary 42 • 2013 AROUND THE REGIONS
are sika deer Cervus nippon that The latest survey by our Bryophyte I am currently learning the art of bee escaped from a local wildlife park in the expert from Natural Resources Wales keeping with my head in the books and 1970s, that we would like to survey and has shown that Pendine has a number a little help from an experienced keeper understand their breeding and of nationally scarce moss species such so hopefully by the time you are movements around the site. as the drepanocladus moss reading this we will have our first lot of Drepanocladus sendtneri and new Pendine honey. We recently embarked on a significant populations of petalwort. Scrub Management Programme in the Katie-Jane Martin spring of 2013 to help restore dune Witchett Pool is an important water MOD Pendine Environmental and habitats and try to encourage the body within the Range, providing a Community Liaison presence of fen orchid Liparis loeselii home for wintering and breeding birds, and petalwort Petalophyllum ralfsii. This otters Lutra lutra, water voles Arvicola www.pendine.qinetiq.com programme involved in the treatment terrestris as well as many other and removal of 24 acres of sea vertebrates and invertebrates. In recent buckthorn Hippophae rhamnoides from years reeds have started to encroach the Eastern end of the Range. the open water, so in the winter of 2012 with the help of a specialist reed The dune slacks have been actively cutting boat and a team provided by restored using a scraping method - Natural Resources Wales, the reeds were these are an important habitat which cut back over three days to create more forms between the ridges of the dunes open water. Since the area of open where the surface is close to the water water has increased there has been table, but many have been degraded more noticeable animal activity with by scrub invasion and lack of grazing. birds and otters using the lake. The scrape method removes the top layer of the soil down to the winter Another smaller on site project that is a water table, exposing a fresh slack to personal journey for me, is the encourage positive slack growth. installation of a bee hive on site as part of a QinetiQ funded STEM (Science, Defence Infrastructure Organisation Technology, Engineering and Maths) (DIO) and Natural Resources Wales are project which we intend to use for also working with local tenant grazers teaching natural science to the local to ensure that the graziers marsh and primary schools. The area for keeping dune habitats of the SSSI are grazed the bees has been chosen, the hive appropriately, encouraging the natural bought and assembled ready for a dune habitat to rehabilitate. delivery of Buckfast bees this summer. Otter © Crown
Specialist reed cutting boat © QinetiQ
Sanctuary 42 • 2013 61 AROUND THE REGIONS
Anglesey
1 RAF Valley
Further path surveys are planned for the coming months, with a follow up coastal clean event envisaged towards the autumn, prior to the onset of winter storms. Future plans also include the possibility of extending the adopted area of path up to the local village of Four Mile Bridge giving a total adopted area of 5.6 miles (9 km).
*Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path is a 125 - mile (200 km) route that circumnavigates the island, passing through the largest designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Wales. © Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path Project 2011.
Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path http://www.angleseycoastalpath.co.uk
Robert Hughes RAF Valley coastal clean event © Crown Station Environmental Protection RAF Valley is situated on the Isle of To help fulfil the Station’s stewardship Advisor (SEPA) and Coastal Path Project Anglesey - Ynys Môn, North Wales. role towards the local environment and Officer Located in an Area of Outstanding also to raise awareness of the Coastal Natural Beauty (AONB). RAF Valley is Path, an RAF Valley Coastal Clean event surrounded by 11 Sites of Special was held on 19th June 2013. The event Scientific Interest (SSSI), 3 Special also had an important Air Safety Protection Areas (SPA), and 2 Special dimension involving the effective Areas of Conservation (SAC). removal of large amounts of potential Foreign Object Damage (FOD) debris Regular readers of Sanctuary may recall located right on the door step of an last year’s article highlighting RAF active airfield. At the event volunteers Valley’s “adoption” of a section of the Isle from across RAF Valley, Service and of Anglesey Coastal Path* on 26th April civilian, supported by partners from Isle 2012. Under the terms of the of Anglesey County Council and Friends Memorandum of Understanding of Anglesey Coastal Path, successfully A few more bags and the job’s done © Crown agreed with Cyngor Sir Ynys Môn - Isle collected, bagged and removed 1.28 of Anglesey County Council, RAF Valley tonnes of waste from the path and has committed to undertake annual nearby beach. surveys to monitor the condition of the path. A path survey carried out on the This impressive haul of waste would not 23rd May 2013 by the Coastal Path have been achieved were it not for the Project Officer (Mr Rob Hughes) and enthusiasm and concerted effort of all the deputy Coastal Path Project Officer participants on what proved to be one (Sgt Em Horsman) identified large of the hottest days of the year so far. It amounts of accumulated waste along was also an excellent example of RAF the adopted stretch of path. Significant Valley working in close partnership with amounts of flotsam and jetsam had also local stakeholders to enhance the state been deposited, along the adjacent of our environment and our mutual stretch of Cymyran Beach, over the enjoyment of it. Just part of 1.28 Tonnes of waste removed from the preceding winter months. path and nearby beach © Crown
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Buckinghamshire RAF Halton
2
Even the timid bank vole is recorded on the RAF Halton species list © Cpl Jamie Peters As I write this article, we are found in gardens-aquilegia ‘nora barlow’ Meanwhile, red kites continue to do undertaking a Phase 1 Habitat survey and dark columbine included! A small well here and our population is across the site. Armed with the JNCC number of small blue butterflies and a increasing as they steadily move in manual, a load of books and a small cinnabar have been seen in one across different areas of the Station. amount of training, the team set out to grassland area; however, these do not We also have a pair of buzzards living identify key species and to eventually seem to be common to the rest of the within one of our woodland sites and classify the different habitats within the site surveyed so far. tree creepers in another. Deer are on various areas of the Station. We have the increase and we now have some historical data from previous The information we gather this week confirmed roe deer, muntjac deer and surveys to compare our findings too will be used to form a new section of chinese water deer living on or and so far, although the majority of our Environmental Management travelling through the site. In other plant species marry up reasonably well, System; our plan is to draw up and put areas, we have bank voles, a large it seems some of the previously regular into practice a management plan for population of badgers, smooth and species such as the bee orchid and our grassland areas. It is hoped this will palmate newts (but no great common blue butterfly have not improve their biodiversity and viability crested unfortunately). appeared this year, much to our as habitats and also encourage the disappointment. The exception is the return of some of the species previously So for now, we will continue our survey, white helleborine which was found to found in the area. The information next year hopefully there will be some be growing in abundance within one of gathered will also influence the future good news to report as we progress our grassland training areas under the activities of the Conservation Group towards the implementation of our cover of some large hybrid poplars. management plans. Amongst other species we’ve found so We are currently working with DIO to far are bladder campion, red clover, put a woodland management plan in Emily Haddock common bird’s foot trefoil, dove’s foot place for the site’s woodland areas, not Station Environmental Advisor cranesbill, wood cranesbill, wood just to improve them as habitats but to forget-me-not, lesser trefoil, selfheal also to improve them as training areas. and some flowers more commonly We are a training establishment after all!
Sanctuary 42 • 2013 63 AROUND THE REGIONS
Camarthenshire Air Weapons Range Pembrey
3
system (Pembrey Forest) has resulted in a severe reduction of the short-turf, dune-slack habitat required by the gentian.
Since about 1970, the one place that it could reliably be seen was, and still is, the helipad at Pembrey AWR. Here, there have been several dozen plants flowering in most years in short turf maintained by the ground maintenance contractors, indeed there is evidence of an increase in plant numbers in recent years. Attempts are now being made to extend suitable habitat into other areas by amending grassland management. A notable success was achieved in the summer of 2012 with a few plants found at a new site some distance from the original population.
Much work has been done in the last two years by Sam Bosanquet, a lower Dune gentian Gentianella uliginosa thriving on the helipad at Pembrey AWR © Richard Pryce plant specialist working for Natural Air Weapons Range Pembrey is situated positions could clearly be seen on maps Resources Wales and a member of the on the Pembrey Peninsula between but the sea buckthorn scrub had MOD Conservation Group. He has Llanelli and Carmarthen in West Wales. become so impenetrable it was made several visits to the site to identify The site comprises an extensive area of impossible to find them on the ground. rare bryophytes (mosses and liverworts) intertidal habitat, grazed saltmarsh, In 2012, an intrepid team including Jon and his work has shown that the sand dunes and transitions Berry from CADW and Sqn Ldr Guy Jeffs diverse ground conditions mean it between them. found the missing structures after a two remains amongst the most important hour search. During the search Jon dune systems in Wales for this often During World War II the long flat beach Berry also rediscovered a WWII slit- overlooked group. He has recorded a of Cefn Sidan was considered an ideal trench by falling in it. Further scrub number of scarce species including the point for a possible invasion and several clearance that year cut a route route to nationally rare Bryum marattii and the emergency beach defences were the buildings, which means that they nationally scarce Bryum warneum, constructed which were also part of the can be easily reached. According to Amblyodon dealbatus, Drepanocladus broader defence scheme associated CADW the pillboxes are unique in sendtneri and Campyliadelphus elodes with the Carmarthen Stop Line that ran Wales and almost certainly in the UK amongst others. from Pembrey to Llangrannog. Over and they are now likely to become time some of these structures were scheduled monuments. Oliver Howells CIEEM completely hidden by the encroaching Ecologist scrub and they disappeared from view. Dune gentian Gentianella uliginosa Defence Infrastructure Organisation remains one of the priority species for The range area underwent significant conservation at Pembray AWR. It was scrub removal in 2005 which revealed a first recorded in Carmarthenshire in brick built ‘pill-box’ near the control damp sandy ground on Pembrey tower and another of identical Burrows by Marshall in 1899. Since that construction at the northern end of the time, natural changes to this very Range. There were still two buildings on mobile dune system, together with the the Range that were hidden but their afforestation of much of the dune
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County Down 5 Ballykinler
Ballykinler coastal view © Crown No Boundaries for Biodiversity Tony Canniford invited Abby McSherry, begging to be done; they just needed at Ballykinler the Action for Biodiversity project some organisation and seed money officer for the area onto the Ministry of to start. The idea that biodiversity knows no Defence land holding, at Ballykinler boundaries was one of the guiding Training Centre, County Down, across The site at Ballykinler is an ASSI (Area of principles behind a major initiative to the bay from the Mountains of Mourne. Special Scientific Interest, equivalent to promote wildlife and nature across the an SSSI in Britain), with plants, animals whole of the East Border Region of “Nature knows no boundaries. A trout and birdlife exploiting the relative Ireland. ‘Action for Biodiversity’ is a does not know which side of a human peace of the training areas. Ballykinler three-year project funded by the political border it is on, a hare will cross and the neighbouring area of Murlough European Union’s INTERREG IVA Cross local authority limits in ignorance and a (owned by the National Trust), just Border Programme and is working butterfly will flutter into a military firing across Dundrum inner bay, make-up with ten local authorities across the range, oblivious of the fences and politics one of the largest and most important Border Region. of Ireland, and yet the practical protection dune systems in Northern Ireland. Over offered to these species, the way their the years there has been a lot of The three themes of ‘Action for habitats are cared for and even the co-operation between Ballykinler Biodiversity’ are biodiversity awareness knowledge of their importance is highly Training Centre, the Northern Ireland projects, capacity building and practical dependent on where they find Environment Agency and local nature on-the-ground conservation schemes. themselves.” said Abby McSherry. conservation bodies, such as Tara Seal These have all been tackled in the local Abby explained that Action for Research, Butterfly Conservation NI and authority areas with partners ranging Biodiversity was working with a local the Ulster Wildlife Trust, working on from schools to youth groups, tidy conservation group at a seal nursery surveys and small conservation towns to hospitals and from the local beach and they had suggested there projects, but more could be achieved authorities themselves to individual was a huge potential for nature and with the assistance of Major volunteers. Across the whole 7,000km conservation projects at Ballykinler due Tony Canniford these gaps could of the region a one off and unique to the active conservation group and be plugged. partnership came about when the the protection it offered. Following a Commander DIO Ops Training, site visit it was obvious there were Bats and barn owls were identified by Northern Ireland (DIO Ops Trg NI), Major several micro-projects that were Abby McSherry as possible priority
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species; these are charismatic and grazing in the area is perfect hunting with the Northern Ireland Bat Group, popular animals and no direct habitat for them, so our fingers will be who will also run a series of bat management was being carried out on crossed over the next few years that we evenings for families on the base during site to encourage them. will get some visitors. the summer.
After consultation with The Ulster Other old buildings at Ballykinler will “Ballykinler Training Centre is a wonderful Wildlife Trust’s Barn Owl officer it is now also be made into “des-res” for wildlife; biodiversity resource and through working planned that DIO Ops Trg NI staff and such as the abandoned pillboxes dating with the staff on the base and other local families on the base will build a from the Second World War. Currently nature conservation organisations and dozen external barn owl boxes and put these only attract local children on with a little funding from Action for them up in woodland around the range firelighting and den building adventures Biodiversity, that resource will be improved complex during 2013, three or four where there is significant risk of injury over generations to come. Hopefully internal boxes will also be erected in but an alternative use, as bat future users of the firing range will catch various agricultural buildings. Abby hibernacula, will prevent children glimpses of barn owls and bats and these McSherry warned that “erecting barn getting in, while providing a safe, cool lovely nocturnal creatures will cross the owl boxes isn’t like putting up blue tit and sheltered environment for the bats boundaries of the base knowing only that boxes up, where you can be pretty sure to spend the winter. The doors will be there is good feeding and good homes occupants will move in soon after”. Barn blocked, except for letterbox-sized inside the fence lines”. owls are very rare in Northern Ireland openings and the interior will be lined and even creating nesting sites and with Kent bat boxes and wooden slats Abby McSherry perching posts does not guarantee to provide sheltered niches for the bats Action for Biodiversity Project Officer occupation. However, there are barn to cling to. Plans for these alterations INTERREG IVA Cross Border Programme owls near Ballykinler and the rough are being provided by a bat ecologist
DIO Ops Trg NI Provides much bales of hay and the feed supplement combined team in a live operation needed support to hill farmers and delivering their vital consignment within the British Isles since the Irish Air to the waiting farmers out on the snow Corps where established in 1922. (Note: In late March, due to the prolonged laden hills. The Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) can and heavy snowfall in the South Down area does cover both DIO Ops Trg Ballykinler around Dromara, Castlewellan and During the operation a helicopter was and Magilligan range complexes in the Slieve Croob, thousands of sheep were tasked, by NI emergency services, to event of an emergency and a request left stranded without feed in isolated carry out a Search and Rescue and for air medevac). areas, inaccessible by over-land means. successfully found and winched two ice The Commander DIO Ops Trg NI was climbers to safety from the mountains The operation was a complete success tasked by HQ 38 (Irish) Bde, in response overlooking DIO Ops Trg Magilligan. bringing the much needed food relief to a request from the Department of to the isolated farms and hilltops. Agriculture and Regional Development This was the first time that the IDF (DARD), to assist with a Military Aid to (specifically the Irish Air Corps) and UK Maj A J Canniford R IRISH the Civilian Community (MACC) personnel had operated together as a Commander DIO Ops Trg NI operation. Support helicopters working out of DIO Ops Trg Ballykinler Training Centre (BTC), were used to supply much needed feed to the hill farmers. Two Agusta Westland AW139 helicopters, from 301 Squadron of the Air Corps from the Irish Defence Force, arrived within 24 hours to start operations, along with a UK CH47 helicopter operating out of Aldergrove Station.
On the morning of 28th March 2013, DARD arrived with a low loader carrying bales of hay and high-energy food supplement that farmers in affected areas had requested via the DARD help line. By mid-morning The two Irish Defence Force helicopters, with their ground crew arrived on the range complex at Ballykinler, and together with UK personnel, supported by DIO Ops Trg staff, began an under slung helicopter operation, lifting two Helicopter delivering aid to the farmers; lifting two bales of hay and the feed supplement © Irish Defence Force
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6 County Londonderry Magilligan
for the wildlife and the people; by lucky to have in this area and but it also putting up fencing, gates and styles so heralds the next steps in looking after everyone can enjoy this site. our biodiversity, the implementation of this action plan. In developing this project, we received invaluable advice from the Northern DIO Ops Trg NI is already contributing Ireland Environment Agency and the to this action plan with its dune MOD (DIO Ops Trg NI) who are already conservation management and in managing their area of the Magilligan particular its work in partnership with dune system using conservation Butterfly Conservation to monitor and grazing and with Benone coming on manage the habitat for the small eggar line another piece of the puzzle is in and scarce crimson and gold moths place, so the management of the whole along with a dunes improvement plan. system is complementary. If you would like a copy of the LBAP A major benefit of managing the document they are available from the Benone/Magilligan dunes system in this four Council offices or if you would like holistic manner is the opportunity to to find out more about the biodiversity continue to share knowledge, expertise work in your area please contact and support each other in protecting Rachel Bain, Biodiversity Officer at and enhancing this unique site for Limavady Borough Council on: biodiversity and for people to enjoy [email protected] Scarce crimson and gold moth © BCT long into the future. The Magilligan Another Piece of the Puzzle Conservation Group is an active and Rachel Bain open group that pulls on national and Biodiversity Officer The sand dune system at Benone is local expertise to support their Limavady Borough Council managed by Limavady Borough conservation plan. This continues to Council, and forms part of the wider ensure that the good work already Magilligan system that also includes the achieved by the MOD at Magilligan dune system at Defence Training is the foundation for conserving Estates Northern Ireland Range and enhancing our outstanding Complex Magilligan which is local biodiversity. recognised and protected at National and European level. The launch of the Causeway Coast and Glens Council Cluster Local These dunes are important because Biodiversity Action Plan in February they are relatively untouched and play 2013 also marked a very positive host to a great variety of biodiversity, milestone for biodiversity conservation including the scarce crimson and gold in the Limavady area, and include the moth, dark green fritillary butterfly, MOD site at Magilligan. The devil’s-bit scabious, pyramidal orchids Conservation Group at the DIO Ops Trg, and irish hare to name a few. Magilligan site is also part of the cluster partnership. The council recently secured funding to replace the fencing in two paddocks at This is a significant step in biodiversity the Benone end of the range complex conservation for the four Councils to allow some light winter grazing (Ballymoney, Coleraine, Limavady and which will help retain the fantastic Moyle) and for DIO Ops Trg Magilligan; diversity of plants. The long term aim is it will also promote and raise awareness to protect and enhance this area both of the exceptional biodiversity we are
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Devon Lympstone
7
200 years. Due to their wildlife value and the rarity of this ecosystem, the core area of the Pebblebed heaths are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Special Area of Conservation and a Special Protected Area. As such they sit at the top of the hierarchy of European conservation sites and there is a legal obligation to return them to a favourable conservation status.
Around 750 Royal Marines pass through Lympstone Training Centre every year, with a significant part of their activities spent on the Pebblebed heaths. The Marines are an important conservation partner of the Pebblebed Heaths Royal Marines taking part in the himalayan balsam pulling day © Guy Newman Conservation Trust. Not only do they It has been a busy few years on East Budleigh, Bicton, Woodbury, Colaton provide a useful policing presence, but Devon’s Pebblebed heaths. The latest Raleigh, Hawkerland, Aylesbeare and their assistance on conservation condition assessment by Natural Harpford Commons. These are all initiatives has proved invaluable. Their England published in 2012 has again owned by Clinton Devon Estates, with latest significant contribution has been highlighted the improving nature of the majority of the area managed for working with the Conservation Trust the core area of this unique lowland wildlife and public enjoyment by the and local community groups in June heathland, with Woodbury and Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust. 2013 to help drive back the invasive Aylsebeare Commons now classified as himalayan balsam Impatiens being in a favourable state. To ensure The Commons have long been glandulifera which has been creeping that the condition of adjacent associated with the Royal Marines who up the tributaries of the River Otter Commons areas also continue to have a lease to train there. Although towards the heaths, and their own improve, conservation grazing with rare modern-style military exercises on treasured training ground. Their breed cattle and ponies is currently ‘Woodbury Common’ date back to the assistance with this endeavour is being expanded, with the Planning late 18th century, it was with the much appreciated, and we look Inspectorate approving plans to fence establishment of Dalditch Camp in forward to many more decades of significant areas of the Pebblebed 1941 that the connection was forged in constructive collaboration. heaths in 2012. Conservation grazing is public consciousness. At its height, over recognised as one of the best means of 5,000 personnel were stationed at this Dr Sam Bridgewater maintaining the biodiversity of massive training camp, with many Conservation Manager heathlands, and replicates grazing hundreds of buildings dotting the Clinton Devon Estates undertaken by the Commoners of old. landscape of East Budleigh Common. The approval to permanently fence the Although nature has largely reclaimed boundary of some Commons followed this famous training ground, footprints a long and comprehensive consultation of the buildings remain hidden in phase which started in 2009. the undergrowth, with some structures now acting as important Covering over 1,200 hectares, the East hibenaculae for such endangered Devon Pebblebed Heaths are one of species as lesser horsehoe bats. The site the largest remaining expanses of remains one of the best in the UK for lowland heathland in the south west. butterflies, including the elusive The core area of this amazing wildlife silver-studded blue which favours early area is generically known as ‘Woodbury pioneer heathland. Common’. However it comprises a series of many adjoining parish Over 70% of European heathlands have Landscape view across Woodbury Common towards Commons. These include Dalditch, East been lost to development over the last Woodbury Castle © Dr Sam Bridgewater
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Dorset Bovington and Lulworth
8
own small colony of breeding puffins, though not on the MOD estate. The survey did show that Lulworth Ranges supports breeding colonies of cormorant, shag and herring gull. Nearby there are colonies of kittiwake, razorbill and guillemot. Some are vulnerable to disturbance from climbers, kayakers and coasteering groups along this coastline, but far less so on the Ranges.
Despite the limitations on access a small group of volunteers continue to help with dormouse surveys at Lulworth Ranges. The weather undoubtedly had a major impact on breeding success across the country for this charismatic animal in 2012. The same can be said of our population with just 14 dormice recorded in the 50 purpose built nest boxes in the 2012 season compared to 35 in the previous year. The absence of any animals in the boxes during October and A Dartford warbler in classic singing pose on gorse © Geoff Jones November suggests there were Despite one of the wettest summers in The group also took part in the BTO very few juvenile animals fattening up many years the Bovington & Lulworth Nightingale Survey at Lulworth but for the winter hibernation. Conservation Group members were as numbers were shown to be active as ever in 2012. The poor weather significantly down on past years with Conservation group members continue undoubtedly had a big impact on just two singing males, though this is to monitor invertebrates and reptiles at breeding success for a whole range of more likely to reflect changes in the Bovington. Recent surveys using taxa and not least the birds. An habitat than short term weather effects. malaise traps have produced good extensive nest box recording scheme Woodlark and stonechat are still well records for some of the heathland has been running at Lulworth Ranges represented on the Range with skylark insects when compared with similar for many years but this year the wet and common migrant warblers such as surveys carried out almost ten years weather has had a major negative blackcap, chiffchaff, willow warbler also ago. A survey of the ponds on Wool impact on breeding success and very recorded in good numbers, although Heath found previously unrecorded few chicks were fledged from the breeding success was again thought to species including the largest species of boxes. More promisingly Dartford be poor. Sand martins continue to nest pond skater and an uncommon diving warblers were recorded in good in the china clay pit although the nests beetle. Other freshwater species will numbers across the heathland but the move around as the pit gets worked benefit from the two new ponds dug in bad weather curtailed efforts to colour and numbers are lower than in the past. 2012 by Amphibian and Reptile ring them. The weather did not prevent Conservation. These were created to some other important surveys that To continue the bird theme a survey of benefit early successional plants and showed the population of nightjars has breeding seabirds was carried out at insects and they were dug as part of increased significantly following the Lulworth Ranges in 2012 in partnership the UK-wide Million Ponds Project. start of a major heathland restoration with National Trust, Durlston Country project at Highwood where the recent Park and Lulworth Estate. The high cliffs Lt Col (Retd) Christopher Donaghy felling of a plantation has brought in at along this dramatic Jurassic Coast Bovington & Lulworth Conservation least four new territories. Four birds support small but significant numbers Group Chairman were ringed just in this area during one of breeding seabirds and many people evening in 2012. are surprised to learn that Dorset has its
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Essex Colchester 9
Care has to be taken when working with cherry laurel as the leaves and fruit pips contain cyanolipids that are capable of releasing cyanide and benzaldehyde during maceration. Cyanide starves the central nervous system of oxygen and, thus, causes death. Chipping is therefore not recommended.
Cherry laurel has enough of the poison in the leaves to be used by entomologists as a way of killing insect specimens without physical damage, by sealing the live insects in a vessel containing the crushed leaves.
The work clearing the cherry laurel will Essex Wildlife Trust staff and volunteers hard at work clearing the cherry laurel © Essex Wildlife Trust take a number of years and further Essex Wildlife Trust staff and volunteers Lowland Mixed Deciduous Woodland work parties are already being planned have been working hard over the (UK) and Ancient Woodland (Essex). for next winter. If you live locally and winter clearing large stands of exotic would like to volunteer please contact cherry laurel Prunus laurocerasus, which The canopy is largely pedunculate oak John More, Local Wildlife Sites Officer was suppressing ground flora over a Quercus robur and downy birch Betula for Essex Wildlife Trust, on 01621 862988 large part of Friday Woods pubescens, with some sweet chestnut or at [email protected] North Local Wildlife Site, on the Castanea sativa, ash Fraxinus excelsior outskirts of Colchester. and hazel Corylus avellana. The ground John More flora across large areas of the wood is Local Wildlife Sites Officer Local Wildlife Sites (LoWS) are selected being heavily suppressed by large Essex Wildlife Trust for their local nature conservation value stands of cherry laurel, which creates and are the most important places for dense shading of the woodland floor. wildlife outside legally protected land such as Sites of Special Scientific In the more open areas wood sage Interest (SSSIs) and nature reserves. Teucrium scorodonia, bracken Pteridium aquilinum, bluebell Hyacinthoides LoWS play a critical conservation role non-scripta and bramble Rubus by providing wildlife refuges, protecting fruticosus agg. proliferate. threatened species and habitats, and acting as buffers and wildlife corridors. Remote sedge Carex remota, Their designation is non-statutory and honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum, their only protection comes via the three-nerved sandwort Moehringia Burning the arisings on site © EWT planning system. While SSSIs are a trinervia, primrose Primula vulgaris, representative sample that meet lesser celandine Ranunculus ficaria national criteria, LoWS include all sites and stinging nettle Urtica dioica are that meet local selection criteria. also present.
Friday Woods North Local Wildlife Site Essex Wildlife Trust staff and covers 3.5ha and comprises the part of volunteers used chainsaws and hand Friday Woods which is not included tools to fell the cherry laurel, which within the Roman River SSSI. The site is was up to 30ft high in places. included in the Ancient Woodland Arisings were then burnt on site Inventory compiled by Natural England and stumps treated to and contains BAP priority habitats limit regowth. Bluebells © Crown
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Essex MOD Shoeburyness
10
Some of the scrub cleared this year © QinetiQ
The diversity of habitats within SSSI unit 4: borrowdyke, sea wall, grassland and scrub © QinetiQ Restored grassland now managed by the Officers’ Shoot © QinetiQ Commencing February 2013, a long- internationally important wetlands, as team this February has opened up term programme of scrub clearance well as at its south-eastern edge, part of some more of the rides. This is allowing began on MOD Shoeburyness. This the adjacent Essex Estuaries Special the SSSI unit to move back towards programme is a joint venture between Area of Conservation (SAC) for habitats. favourable conservation. MOD, Natural England and QinetiQ and It is a large unit, approximately 88ha in has involved stakeholders such as the size and received its designations for its In the long-term, it is hoped to graze Officers’ Shoot. MOD Shoeburyness is important sea wall, borrowdykes, the grassland areas. Grazing would be situated on the east coast, at the mouth ditches and brackish pools, as well as its beneficial because it would improve of the Thames Estuary. Much of the site mosaic of scrub and grassland. The unit the area for species associated with has been designated as two Sites of provides good habitat for a range of coastal grazing marsh including those Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) which invertebrates, as well as wintering, for which the site was designated. are divided into management units. The passage and migrant birds. Proposals for grazing will need to management of these units is focussed consider the operational requirements through the site’s Integrated Rural This unit is currently licenced for use by of the area, the nature conservation Management Plan (IRMP). and receives some management from objectives, the potential impact on the Shoeburyness Officers’ Shoot. This the Officers’ Shoot, and practicalities This IRMP highlights SSSI unit 4 as a beneficial management creates rides of such as access for checking stock, target for scrub management as in managed grassland interspersed with fencing, unexploded ordnance and recent years, the unit has become scrub. This is not only valuable to military debris. somewhat overgrown with scrub. This wildlife, but allows the shoot members needs to be reduced by approximately access to the pheasants during the Emma England 50% to create around 25% of managed shooting season (October to Ecology Assistant scrubland and 65% grassland. end-January). MOD Shoeburyness Range
Unit 4 is also designated as part of the Through consultation with all interested Foulness Special Protection Area (SPA) stakeholders, additional scrub clearance for birds and Ramsar site for by the QinetiQ grounds maintenance
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Essex MDP HQ Wethersfield 11
woodland, which could have been in jeopardy, will be conserved surrounded by the protected Jubilee Wood”.
The Chief Constable and senior officers from 33 & 101 Engineering Regiments EOD, together with staff and families, celebrated the Centre’s formal opening on 28th June 2012. Army residents run coffee mornings, play groups and offer family welfare advice from here. All this helps to overcome any feelings of isolation.
A proposal to create allotments proved surprisingly controversial but the sustainability adviser and enthusiasts allayed any concerns. The final pegged area turned out to be a horticultural challenge, but with hard Officers, staff and families at the official opening of the Wethersfield Kitchen Garden -June 2012 work by army families, and three broken © Rosalind Gourgey spades later, we had 12 plots, compost bins and water butts, and a Garden A Diamond Jubilee Wood has been nature activities with WT staff in Park Society keen to start planting. Rabbit- planted at the Headquarters of the Wood, calculating the age of trees and proof picket fencing took 180 hours, Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) at building animal shelters. On our and the muscle of army volunteers, to Wethersfield, to celebrate each year of Community Planting Day staff, residents construct from recycled pallets. It is HM The Queen’s reign. This exciting and local villagers planted 648 trees in now a pleasant area where parents and project continues our royal two hours! Local press ran the story. youngsters enjoy growing their own connections; in 1993 HRH The Princess Commercial sponsors also got dug in fresh vegetables. Royal, Jubilee Wood Patron, officially and already local schools, wildlife opened Wethersfield as the MDP enthusiasts and the community are Wethersfield’s Diamond Wood will be a Headquarters. There are only 60 planning return visits. A commemorative haven for nature and will make a Diamond Jubilee Woods in the UK, Jubilee Oak has been donated by significant contribution towards MOD only one in Essex, and just two on Braintree District Council. sustainability targets. MOD land. 36,000 saplings were planted by Rosalind Gourgey Our original plan with the Woodland February 2013. The exact mix of UK- Sustainability Adviser Trust (WT) for a 7ha planting sourced native species took into MDP HQ Wethersfield was cancelled owing to financial account Forestry Commission advice cutbacks. However, a timely new tree on ash dieback disease, Chalara Judith Slater planting agreement between MOD fraxinea. The 40ha of planting include Corporate Communications and the WT gave us hope. After lengthy rides and glades to accommodate MDP HQ Wethersfield negotiations, guided by DIO Head training on MOD land. Forester, Jon Watson, the MDP signed a tripartite licence with DIO and the Rosalind Gourgey, Sustainability Adviser WT. This enabled us to start planting said “Our Jubilee Wood will partly restore our 79ha Jubilee Wood, thanks to this part of Essex to its natural wooded Forestry Commission grants and state, lost mainly to wartime airfield commercial sponsorship. construction, and will form a continuous corridor around the airfield, linking with Children from eight local primary woodland outside the fence. Park Wood, schools planted 600 trees and enjoyed our remaining fragment of ancient
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12 Fife RAF Leuchars
Fairmont Golf Course, St Andrews, this project aimed to promote biodiversity and safeguard valuable habitats that had been shaded out by the highly invasive spread of bracken. The volunteers spent most of their time crushing the bracken stalks with some lethal-looking thin metal rods to starve the plants of nutrients; the remainder was taken up explaining the project to numerous bemused golfers.
Secondly, the volunteers headed to Bankhead Moss - a small raised peat bog with a typical dome-shaped profile. The bog centre is largely open although tree seedlings, especially birch, are colonising it and drying out the reserve. The Conservation Group Volunteers at Bankhead Moss © Crown assisted the Scottish Wildlife Trust in It was another good year for firstly, apply for a licence to destroy the the control and removal of these conservation at RAF Leuchars with roost or alternatively wait until the bat young trees. interest being shown in the subject by left the area at the end of the season Station personnel, visitors and (late October) and fit the wall panel Both projects required a great deal of contractors alike. with a suitable hole cut in it to allow physical effort. The volunteers made access to the roost. Happily, the Station significant inroads into both the Work to replace external cladding on an chose the latter thus enabling Mr Bat to bracken and birch problems and were ammunition store was halted when the enjoy his summer residence for many duly deserving of the praise given to contractor suspected that bats may be years to come. them by the Scottish Golf Environment present in the building. An Group, the Fairmont Golf Course and experienced batworker was brought in Summer weather was not quite such the Scottish Wildlife Trust. to examine the area and after looking a joyous tale as torrential rain and for physical signs of bat activity, he set localised flooding led to the KC Campbell up sound and thermal imaging cancellation of a number of Conservation Officer equipment to monitor the potential conservation events. The Station’s roost during a dusk watch. He annual beach clean went ahead concluded that the building housed though, and even the poor weather the summer roost of a single male conditions could not dampen the soprano pipistrelle. The Station was enthusiasm of the Station volunteers faced with two options to allow who joined the local Fife Ranger in completion of work on the building: removing plastics and other waste items that had washed ashore along a 2.5 km stretch of the Eden Estuary. The Estuary, which borders RAF Leuchars, is a SSSI and forms part of the Firth of Tay and Eden Estuary Natura 2000 site.
Volunteers from the Conservation Group were also busy working at two other local SSSI sites. Firstly, they assisted with bracken control in the Craig Hartle volunteers © Crown Craig Hartle site adjacent to the Mark Taylor at Craig Hartle © Crown
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Hampshire DIO Ops Training Home Counties 13
because of too much tree cover. In 2001, a significant area of this tree cover was removed to meet safety regulations for the nearby Farnborough Airport, when it was passed from military to civilian use. Removing the trees caused ground disturbance - the ideal conditions for marsh clubmoss. In 2004, the plant was rediscovered on an area of bare peat created when the trees were felled, 69 individual plants were counted here during an intensive survey in 2005.
When conservation grazing was introduced to large parts of the Aldershot Training Area under a partnership project between DIO and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, marsh clubmoss was seen as a target species, with objectives to increase its extent.
The project has been a success at Long Valley, with an increase to at least seven known patches totalling over 100 plants; the most recent patches found in early summer 2013.
The cattle - a herd of british whites - do a great job of keeping the vegetation low and creating the bare, muddy patches needed by the marsh Marsh clubmoss has been rediscovered, and is thriving at Long Valley, part of the Aldershot Training Area clubmoss. Mechanically dug scrapes, © Alex Cruickshank, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust undertaken by Plantlife, have created further peaty areas, which are from over 75% of its former range. Its Marsh clubmoss Lycopodiella maintained by the grazing and strongholds are the west coast of inundata on the Aldershot trampling of the cattle. Scotland and the New Forest but it also Training Area has a small, but significant, outpost on Hopefully, with continuing the heaths of north Hampshire. It is not the most impressive of rare management, this diminutive plant plants - it does not have the wow-factor will continue to go from strength to of a carpet of bluebells or the If you are in the right place you can find strength and be found across the flamboyant beauty of a lady’s slipper marsh clubmoss on wet, boggy areas heathlands of the Army training areas orchid - but marsh clubmoss is just as where the vegetation has been kept in the Home Counties. deserving of our conservation efforts. short, or almost non-existent, by low Not a moss at all, but actually a fern, it levels of disturbance such as vehicle Alex Cruickshank resembles a bright green, inch-long movements or livestock grazing. Grazing Project Manager caterpillar crawling across the wet, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust peaty soil. At Long Valley, part of the DIO Ops Aldershot Training Area, marsh In the UK this plant is considered clubmoss was known to be present ‘Nationally Scarce’, having disappeared until the 1980s, but became extinct
74 Sanctuary 42 • 2013 AROUND THE REGIONS
indicating they have tried to raise young. As this article goes to press, one pair of adults has been seen accompanied by three juveniles flying around the site visiting the new ponds. With more ponds planned for future years, there will be more opportunities for aquatic and water edge plants, more odonata, more amphibians and more lapwings; fingers crossed! Barossa benefits
Barossa is the onsite training area resource for all Officer Cadets passing through The Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. The training area is divided into two parts with a 200ha Range Danger Area (RDA) which is off limits to the public and a 350ha Dry Training Area (DTA). Both sections are a key component of the Thames Basin Heath Special Protection Area (SPA) for The ‘nationally scarce’ small red damselfly is expanding its range because of pond and scrape creation on the heathland birds. Indeed the Ministry of Minley Training Area © Elliott Fairs, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust Defence is the key landowner in this internationally protected landscape. New lease of life for Foxlease include bog pimpernel, sundews and many types of sedge. Meadows The Ministry of Defence formed an agreement with the Wildlife Trusts of The area is criss-crossed with ditches, In 2009, DIO formed an agreement with Surrey and Hampshire to form a grazing historically dug to ensure livestock did Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife licence agreement across the not stray into neighbouring fields, Trust for the Trust to manage a large respective counties training estates in which are permanently wet due to the part of the Minley Training Area called 2006. Since then this agreement has high water table. Many of these ditches Foxlease Meadows. Already managing seen over 4,500ha of the Defence had become shaded under birch and a number of units of the extensive Infrastructure Organisation estate move alder trees where livestock were Foxlease and Ancells Meadows SSSI, the from unfavourable condition to a prevented from reaching the ditch Wildlife Trust were keen and well suited recovering status under Natural edges. Having given livestock access to to take on such a project. England’s (NE) condition assessments. the ditches and removed some of the Populations of the three quintessential tree cover, large swathes of water violet Four years down the line and the heathland species protected on the SPA have rapidly recolonised and odonata partnership is still going strong. are the nightjar, woodlark and Dartford (dragonfly and damselfly) species, Funded through a Higher Level warbler. They are thriving on the including the ‘nationally scarce’ small Stewardship Agreement with Natural military estate due to concerted action red damselfly, have moved into the England a huge amount of work by the partner organisations newly opened up water bodies. has been carried out in a relatively described below. short time. Frogs, toads, and smooth and palmate newts colonised ponds within three Barossa itself presents a unique series of Large areas of secondary woodland months of machinery leaving the site challenges. The area is bordered by have been cleared and grazing has and have successfully spawned every significant housing and suffers from a been extended over nearly all of the year since 2011. range of issues such as arson, littering meadows, making the grazed area now and vandalism. When Natural England in the region of 125ha. The number of All of these successes have been (NE) asked Surrey Wildlife Trust (SWT) to grazing livestock has been doubled, trumped, however, by lapwings implement grazing as part of the site’s internal fencing has been repaired or successfully rearing young, having been Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) replaced and ditches and scrapes have absent for over 20 years. The first signs agreement the site had to be cleared of been reinstated or created. of this achievement were in 2010 when rubbish and a fence constructed that a couple of adults arrived in early would allow the military free access to As quickly as the work has taken place, spring, only to move on a month later. the site and not lend itself to vandalism. the results have appeared all over In 2011, following large scale tree Defence Infrastructure Organisation the site. clearance, five adults arrived and stayed (DIO) and SWT worked carefully until June, although they did not together to plan the fenceline and clear Within twelve months of clearing appear to breed successfully. In 2013, the route. secondary woodland from parts of the following the creation of around 20 SSSI, we have seen the number of shallow ponds across the site, four adult A small number of cattle were ‘ancient meadow indicator species’ lapwings arrived in late February and introduced onto the DTA in 2011. increase from two to eleven. These both pairs have shown behaviour Initial results were extremely
Sanctuary 42 • 2013 75 AROUND THE REGIONS
The plan was to develop a number of open sunny glades and maintain them for species such as reptiles. Subsequent movement between the glades would be made easier by tree removal and pine crop thinning when opportunity arose. Of particular interest at Round Hill is the area where, in about 1981, Lt Col Norman Clayden (MOD’s first conservation officer) heard natterjacks calling. Thirty years on and overgrown the site looked unlikely ever to have supported natterjacks, but in the 1980s it had been very different as a 1987 botanical report confirmed.
ARC, with permission from DIO and funding from various sources, made arrangements for restoration work to Belted galloways © James Adler for Surrey Wildlife Trust begin in autumn 2010. As contractors removed trees, scrub and plant debris encouraging however there were Round Hill ready for the return all was revealed: a gently sloping reports of the animals being chased by of natterjacks hillside where heath might return and youths, the cows reacted and therefore natterjacks hunt; a slowly eroding sandy walkers reported feeling threatened. Round Hill, an area in the north-east of cliff where they could burrow; a large Woolmer Forest, has a fabulous flat area where ephemeral pools would This led to a significant public topography and great potential for a develop with winter rains; and lastly the engagement exercise during the winter variety of habitats, including heathland original seed bank. of 2011 and the early part of 2012. This and mire. Despite these qualities it was involved onsite engagement, school omitted from the SSSI in 1971 and 1986. Now, two years on, this part of Round work, visitor surveys and questionnaires, Then, as if by way of compensation, it Hill is becoming attractively vegetated enhanced signage, peer reviewed risk was made a SINC (Site of Importance colonised by invertebrates and ready to assessments and a consistent message for Nature Conservation) in 1987. support a sub-population of natterjack from the partner organisations. These toads and it is hoped that roundhill will included DIO, SWT, The Heathland Although now firmly within the South once again become an important area Conservation Society, Windlesham Downs National Park, Round Hill and for the rare natterjack. United Charities, Crown Estate, Surrey contiguous land together, totals 8% of Police, Surrey Fire and Rescue and Woolmer Forest. As this site is next to John Buckley Surrey Heath Borough Council. an important natterjack toad area, ARC and Longmoor the the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Group This work led to the animals returning Conservation (ARC), in discussion with to the site in 2012. The animals were the MOD, developed a vision for carefully monitored by SWT staff and the area. trained volunteer livestock checkers. In total 137 livestock/public interactions were observed where people were either very close to the cattle or walking through the herd. All 137 interactions were positive and generated comments about how keen the public were to see the animals on site.
By careful partnership work and sensitive public engagement the partners have successfully introduced large animal grazing to an urban Round Hill July 2010 © John Buckley training area and started to improve the biodiversity of this stunning site whilst continuing to allow unfettered military training. Hopefully over the coming years the herd can continue to grow and carry on their vital conservation work across the area.
James Adler Grazing & Land Services Manager Surrey Wildlife Trust Natterjack toad © Crown Round Hill June 2013 © John Buckley
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Whale Island, Hampshire HMS Excellent
14
This had a devastating effect on the newly formed colonies. Virgin queens left the hives on mating sorties and failed to return. When new queens were introduced they came to the same end.
With virgin queens it can take four to five weeks from introduction before there are signs of a healthy colony. If there is no mated queen present, the colony dwindles and eventually dies out, which can take a couple of months.
Today, there are six colonies on site, five hives and one nucleus.
Useful fact: Bees need to make approximately 22 million sorties to collect enough to make one pound New hives installed with safety still in mind © Crown of honey.
The Environment Protection Advisor At Horsea, there was food about but For more information on beekeeping, (EPA) for HMS Excellent, Ian Mackfall, not in great quantities and only enough check out the British Beekeepers was approached by a local bee-keeper to keep the colonies going. With a Association’s web-site at with a view to keeping bees at Horsea few months of sunshine this could all www.bbka.org.uk Island. Ian contacted Defence turn around. Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) who Ian Mackfall control licensing and in the summer of The season started with three colonies. EPA HMS Excellent 2011, Mr Davies was officially licensed Two hives contained a Mediterranean to keep bees with Ian as the site liaison. hybrid and the other a British hybrid John Davies honey bee. The ‘Med’ queens where off Horsea Island Beekeeper In summary: to a lightning start with a warm March, laying eggs and the colony growing to “The summer of 2012 was a challenging full strength in anticipation of a spring year for beekeepers. The weather was honey flow. Meanwhile, the British completely wrong. The bees were queen was slowly waking up and surviving but that was about it. started to lay at a very much more modest rate. The damp cool weather has two effects on the bees, the first is the rain washes April rain caused a stumbling stop. away nectar and pollen from flower Spring honey flow lost and hives full of heads reducing the amount of food bees with not much to do but eat what available and secondly like us they just honey they had managed to collect. want to stay in and keep warm. The Food Then a warm week in May re-invigorated and Environment Research Agency the bees and they began to swarm. In (FERA), the government body responsible one week we went from three colonies for overseeing beekeeping standards, had to seven on site. This resulted in five issued a number of warnings with regard hives in operation and two smaller to inspectors reporting colonies starving. hives called nucleuses. They advised beekeepers to ‘Heft their hives’, check food levels, and feed As soon as it came, the weather once if necessary.” more broke and the rain was back. Busy bees © Iain Hamer
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Isle of Wight Newtown Range and Jersey Camp 15
due to the survey being carried out years ago with a female mallard in earlier than previous years. During the tow heading across the range survey we took stock of the condition towards Claydens Pond followed by of the nesting boxes, several notes had 12 ducklings. been left by the occupants (the tit families) complaining of damp, drab We are getting over the shock that and drafty housing. Being one to Clare Backman is leaving the MOD and oblige, replacements have been made the post of Editor of Sanctuary. Clare over the winter to meet their wishes. has been very supportive to our Now in place, they will have a surprise Conservation Group here at Newtown when they receive notification of a rent and of course her outstanding increase! A penthouse box has been editorship and devotion to Sanctuary. installed in Jersey Camp for the We wish her well. celebrity couple who reside in the area. Cadets are to be taught the ancient Isle I have mentioned before in other of Wight Sun Dance. This I hope will articles that we have an international make up for the wet and windy past interest! Sanctuary is read and enjoyed year. Smiling faces, the birds singing, in the USA. Tom and Lisa Jones, two of Locks Copse full of bluebells and our readers and friends of mine came wildlife, what more could we ask for. over to look for themselves in February. Oh, the osprey. Not the best time of the year for a visit; they are now satisfied that the Isle of Maj (Retd) Dave Maidment Great spotted woodpecker © Dave Maidment Wight and our estate is as beautiful as Range Officer and described in the magazine. Training Estate Manager The Training Area, Range and Jersey Camp have been busy with our Red squirrels we see every day, but not usual customers. one with two legs …. immediately nick-named Stumpy. He seems to get We too have been affected by the around well enough and manages weather with constant rainfall making it quite admirably with his right rear leg wet underfoot and difficult to get and front left paw missing. We informed anything planned done. Helen Butler from the Island’s Red Squirrel Trust she told us that the We had everything ready to put up our squirrel had probably been caught in a osprey platforms in March but the trap of some kind. Helen came along to ground on the training area was too observe Stumpy; she is satisfied he is wet. We had to wait until September for feeding okay and that he will survive. Bird accommodation copyright © Dave Maidment one reason or another. The original idea Helen commented that squirrels can was to get the platforms up whilst the be bullies and will pick on the weak, let ospreys were still in the area hoping us hope Stumpy stands his ground, they would like the accommodation his disability does not prevent him made for them. racing around the trees with the other squirrels. Bird accommodation! During September the 40 or so bird boxes were Just spotted this week, the mandarin checked by John Willmott (group drake is back with a mallard lady friend ornithologist) Richard Grogan a on Claydens Pond. We hope they will licensed dormouse handler and the stay around and perhaps breed. This is range staff. Only one dormouse an unusual combination we are told. recorded this year; we think this was Our mandarin was first sighted two Stumpy the red squirrel © Dave Maidment
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Kent and East Sussex DIO Ops Training South East 16
The detailed nature of the survey was exemplified when the Range Officer questioned why there were people with magnifying glasses on their hands and knees on the HQ lawn. Optical assistance was again needed at the ‘newt ponds’ when surveyors recorded the country’s smallest vascular plant, the 1mm diameter rootless duckweed Wolffia arrhiza. Other rare Kent finds included mossy stonecrop Crassula tillaea and Bilbao’s fleabane Conyza floribunda (bilbaoana) with the former last recorded in the county in c1900 having either remained undiscovered for many years or arrived with army vehicles from Dorset or East Anglia.
Bird ringing by Old Park Conservation Group members continues at Dibgate Quarry © Crown Canterbury and the training area still holds the UK nightingale Luscinia Cinque Ports Training Area (CPTA), Fraxinus excelsior is decimated then it is megarhynchos record for longevity (7 Dibgate Quarry (purchased in 2011) likely that, through natural years 1 month and 17 days). was transformed from a disused and regeneration, species with less Future projects put forward by derelict site into a Counter Improvised economic value Salix spp and Populus stakeholders at conservation group Explosive Device (IED) training area by spp will dominate which may affect the meetings for MOD involvement include 36 Engineer Regiment and 50 Field future viability of coppicing. the Sussex Emerald Moth Partnership Squadron. The task was expertly and the Romney Marsh Farmland completed within four weeks and The completion of the DIO Ops Training Bird Project. resulted in the creation of a 1.5 km track funded brickwork repairs on the inner network and a patrol base. courtyard of the Dymchurch Redoubt One sad note to report was the death (Hythe Ranges) and refurbishment of of Eric Philp. Eric was one of the first The quarry provided the location for a the sangars was achieved in the last members of the CPTA Conservation recording, by Tony Steele, a financial year. Water ingress into the Group and a naturalist and author of conservation group member, of a moth majority of the structure has now been great reputation. new to Britain Pyrausta aerealis. eliminated. The improvements were Whether the moth arrived on the wing recently inspected by English Heritage Richard Goslett or via the channel tunnel was subject to and the curators of the Eastbourne Land Management Services some speculation. Redoubt (as Dymchurch’s ‘twin’ needs Ops Training SE (CPTA) to resolve the same issues that have Defence Infrastructure Organisation Future management of the site will been remedied at Hythe). ensure a variety of habitats are maintained to provide a small but The DIO Ops Training SE (CPTA) sustainable specialist training area. conservation groups continue to be well attended and active in the field. Not all organism identification at CPTA Last summer’s site visits involved has been positive as unfortunately guided tours of Lydd’s saline lagoons, confirmation of ash die-back Chalara Seabrook Stream SSSI and the fraxinea was received. Areas infected dormouse habitat at Mereworth. include Sites of Special Scientific An extensive vascular plant survey of Interest (SSSI) designated for their Lydd Ranges was undertaken by group lowland woodland habitat. If ash members and other stakeholders. Pyrausta aerealis © Tony Steele
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Lincolnshire Air Weapons Range 17 Donna Nook
Seal fence; visitors and seals © Peter Roworth
The conservation year at Donna Nook is This tactic has proved effective as the Elements of the Estate Strategy (REES) dominated by the Atlantic grey seal numbers going out onto the beach has monies, to clear scrub from the fore breeding season which starts in decreased dramatically in the last two dunes and along the dunes adjacent to October and goes through to the end years from a high of 2,000 in 2011 to the Environment Agency’s (EA) sea of December. This year again saw an fewer than 200 and there was a further defence re-alignment site. The increase in pup production of 6% to reduction in the estimate of pup realignment site is not on MOD land 1,525 with a mortality rate of 5%. The mortality in the outer colony area. The but adjoins the site on its North West wardening of the site by our partners LWT made a successful bid for Lottery boundary. The new sea bank has been the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust (LWT) is funding and a Project Officer was built and the old sea bank will be invaluable as the National Nature employed for the duration of the seal breached where the river enters the Reserve (NNR) is a popular tourist season. A new double fence (horse wire realignment site at the sluice gates to attraction, with approximately 51,970 netting and chestnut paling on the North East of the site. To the east of visitors during the breeding season, a recycled plastic post and rail) was this new intertidal habitat there are 25% decrease from the high of 2011. erected to replace the rather derelict areas of developing salt marsh and There were visits by several school and double chestnut paling fence, dunes which are on MOD land and are university groups, with 1,000 volunteer-training was improved and a satisfying other conservation objectives educational visits recorded. Altogether volunteer handbook produced. for the site. there were 49 volunteers who gave a total of 1,700 hours, 240 days, of their The NNR is also noted for its stands of Squadron Leader L Bourne RAFR own time to assist and inform the sea buckthorn and open dune Officer Commanding general public and ensure the seals grassland. Our conservation objectives Donna Nook Air Weapons Range and were not unduly disturbed. The main for these habitats are to decrease the Chairman Donna Nook Range disturbance to the seals is amount of old sea buckthorn to Conservation Group photographers who go onto the outer encourage a mosaic of differing age of sandbank. To discourage this practice growth and also by thinning the scrub Mr Rob Lydstone-Scott the wardens arrive before dawn to we increase the area of dune grassland. LWT Coastal Warden educate and advise anyone attempting During February the LWT employed a to go out onto the beach. local contractor, aided by Rural
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Lincolnshire
18 Air Weapons Range Holbeach
North Norfolk Coast European Marine variety of fauna and flora found within Site, DIO land and environmental the range boundary itself. And what of officers and, recently, EIFCA. Lincs the future? As funding is not currently Wildlife Trust and wildfowling groups available for further bird surveys, an have remained constant throughout. informal survey programme is being developed using volunteers from range So, since its inception, what issues have staff. Research has started on the been discussed? Rights of Way, development of a wildlife pond, wet byelaws, bird-friendly grass-cutting and dry log habitats and the regimes, samphire-picking, bird surveys, identification of suitable bat habitats. cockling and new fisheries policies, range usage and night-flying, noise Marsh inhabitants here are always at complaints, flood defences, the Coastal the whim of nature. High tides, last Access programme, annual bag returns year’s wet summer and reduced marsh and the seasonal movement of bird salinity decreased the availability of populations, Marine Conservation marine life, in turn reducing the food Zones, the maintenance of stoways and supply for migrating birds. But borrowpits on the marsh, provision of regardless, every six months, a public information boards, water committed and enthusiastic group quality, potential effects of new combine experience, good humour Seal pup rescue © Crown ammunition/targets on marsh life, and a genuine desire to help, all for the ordnance removal, Biodiversity Action mutual benefit of Holbeach Range I have been in the post of Officer Plans, local windfarm applications and and its wildlife. Commanding now for over 3½ years wildlife incident reporting, to name but and one of the most diverse, a few. Lt Col Clayden was on the ball all those challenging but ultimately rewarding years ago when he set up conservation roles I have is as Chair of the Holbeach In the last year, the Integrated Rural groups right across the Defence estate. Conservation Group. As such, I wish to Management Plan, a significant piece of pay tribute to this forum that has, over work, has been pulled together, and Squadron Leader (Retd) C S Lawrence time, played such a large part in the life range usage statistics are now Officer Commanding Holbeach Air of the range and wildlife that coexist so presented at each meeting and a new Weapons Range and Chairman well on this lovely, desolate part of board in the Range Conference Room Holbeach Range Conservation Group The Wash. proudly displays examples of the huge According to the Range 540 (Station archives), on 22nd November 1977, Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) C N Clayden (MOD conservation officer), convened a meeting to set up a conservation group ‘to study the scientific interest of the Holbeach Danger Area with a view to establishing a permanent group’. There were seven attendees and it resulted in the formation of a conservation group, chaired by the Holbeach Station Commander, with members from Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, Wildfowl Trust and Dawsmere Wildfowlers Group. Nowadays, as well as range staff, membership includes Natural England, local/district councillors, Greater Lincolnshire Nature Partnership, Environment Agency, RSPB, Wash and Geese over sea target © Crown
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Merseyside 19 Altcar Training Camp
The design of BCP appears to have been subject to more local variation than the pillboxes, though the Altcar site fits the general pattern of the 1940s. The function of the hexagonal mounts has not been determined but it is likely that they were settings for items such as range finders which were common features of these structures. The concrete post is likely to have been a mounting for a light machine gun similar to those in the pillboxes.
Despite there being little direct evidence for the BCP and pillboxes at Altcar being directly associated with Orange Yeoman they are a rare survival of Merseyside’s WWII air defences.
Survey team in action © Mark Adams We would be very interested to hear of similar examples of these bunker In the summer of 2012, Major Bill post or BCP and three Type 23 Pillboxes. designs at other sites to help us learn Hunter, Commandant of Altcar Training These were designs produced by the more about their design and operation. Camp, had a previously ignored set of Directorate of Fortifications and Works Any information should be sent to bunkers cleared of debris. It was initially which was set up in May 1940 [email protected] thought that they related to a Post-War by Major General GBO Taylor. Its air defence system code-named purpose was to provide a number of More on the history and wildlife of Orange Yeoman. The timing of the basic pillbox designs which could be Altcar Training Camp can be found in the full colour booklet published in discovery coincided perfectly with the easily constructed by soldiers and 2011 to celebrate the 150th Anniversary Sefton Coast Landscape Partnership local labour. Community Archaeology Project of the ranges. http://www.nwrfca.org. ‘Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen’, so the uk/Information/Altcar-Training-Centre- All four structures were laid out in a Booklet-2011_V6.pdf bunkers were recorded by local regular pattern around a standard WWII amateur archaeologists assisted by Heavy Anti-Aircraft battery with four Museum of Liverpool’s archaeologist Dr Mark Adams 3.7” gun emplacements arranged Mark Adams. Senior Archaeological Project Officer around the BCP. The 1950s MY66 Altcar National Museums Liverpool Orange Yeoman originated in 1949 with battery actually lies slightly to the a proposal to develop a tactical control north-east of the WWII site. radar to feed data to anti-aircraft gun sites. It was intended that the gun sites The pillboxes are typical examples of would be controlled remotely from the the Type 23 Pillbox; the embrasures in Anti-Aircraft Operations Room using the roofed section were for rifles or radar data provided by two new radar light machine guns; the open section sets. Although the full system never was for a light anti-aircraft defence and became fully operational the radar a Bren or Lewis gun would have been went on to be used as part of the mounted on the concrete post. The Bloodhound missile system. pillboxes are well preserved examples of a type which is rare nationally and The survey showed, however, that in in addition are constructed partly in fact the bunkers were typical examples brick rather than the more of a World War II battery command common concrete. Type 23 pillbox © Mark Adams
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Monmouthshire Caerwent
20
Martin Anthoney surveyed grizzled skipper Pyrgus malvae in May and dingy skipper Erynnis tages and drab looper Minoa murinata in June; and noted a pleasing increase in wood spurge Euphorbia amygdaloides, the food plant for drab looper, probably resulting from the coppicing work which allowed more light into the woodland margins. A bonus was the discovery of forester moth Adscita statices in mid-June, meaning that despite the cold spring four UK Priority lepidoptera species have been flying in Caerwent.
Stephanie Tyler, Trevor Evans and Elsa Wood carried out a botanical survey over the summer which was excellent as one had not been carried out for a number of years. Amongst their findings were new sites of bee orchid Ophrys apifera, common cudweed Filago vulgaris and southern marsh orchid Dactylorhiza praetermissa. The rare small flowered buttercup Ranunculus parviflorus was also found to be doing well; Caerwent is the only site in Monmouthshire known to host this species. A lesser horseshoe bat © Crown Caerwent as a whole is important to Caerwent Training Area, near Chepstow, clear flight path around the building, Cadw in the context of its military Monmouthshire is a former World War II cut back bramble from the hibernation history with a number of the buildings Naval propellant factory now used as bunker and fit a new grill to the and tramways recently being an army training area of approximately window. The group carried out a designated Scheduled Ancient 1,500 acres and consists of many survey of bats over the summer and a Monuments. Unfortunately with the disused buildings, roads, tracks and total of 450 were counted which passage of time some of these had tramways surrounded by a security represents a very healthy population become scrubbed over but during the fence. The Caerwent Conservation in Monmouthshire. year we managed to clear a lot of the Group has been in existence for several vegetation to allow the areas of interest decades but with the injection of some The dormice boxes put up a few years to be seen once more. new and enthusiastic members it has ago in the woodland continue to be been a very busy year with various new monitored by Gwent Wildlife Trust but Lisa Payne MRICS projects and surveys getting underway. probably because of the poor weather Rural Estate Advisor in spring numbers were disappointing. Defence Infrastructure Organisation The disused farmhouse at St Malo is an Additional boxes were put up in the important bat roost for the lesser autumn in the hope of attracting more horseshoe bat but had become of these mammals and a programme of overgrown with laurel and a grill over traditional rotational hazel coppicing the window opening had broken. Ian was carried out; which will improve the Rabjohns, with the help of the military training value of the ancient Monmouthshire Bat Group organised a woodlands but also the habitat for project to cut back the laurel to allow a the dormice.
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Norfolk Stanford Training Area 21
benefit to both fungus and tree. Mycelium from the fungus attaches itself to the roots of the tree from which it obtains nutrients and in return, breaks down essential minerals in the soil which are taken up by the tree (Marren 2012). For instance, violet domecap Calocybe ionides, an uncommon species with several sites on STANTA, only grows with beech on chalky soils. An even rarer species, green-spored dapperling Melanophyllum eyrei with a small pale yellow cap and startlingly green gills and spores, not previously recorded from Norfolk, has now been found at four of our 50 sites including site 50, which also accounted for our first and only record of the uncommon Hygrophorus persoonii (no English name) This grows with oak. It is not possible to say that, because there are certain species of tree in a wood, such Striated earth star © Alec Bull and such a fungus will be found there What Grows on Stanford published privately detailing the every year. One of the cup fungi, Training Area? habitats and distribution of 712 higher vinegar cup Helvella acetabulum was plants and 644 species of fungi with a found for the first time on STANTA in brief section touching on mosses and 2012 in an area of mixed woodland that Stanford Training Area (STANTA) liverworts. As the higher plants are has been searched many times every occupies over 20,000 acres of the fairly unchanging making it relatively season for about 30 years and another Breckland area of South West Norfolk. easy to pin point what is likely to grow woodland on chalk produced a first The soils are mainly acid glacial sands where. Small scabious Scabiosa record of the striate earthstar Geastrum overlaying chalk which reaches the columbaria, larger wild thyme Thymus striatum in 2012. STANTA is a vast area surface at a number of points. Marshy pulegioids and carline thistle Carlina to cover for such a complex study, so meadows and alder carr border the vulgaris will be found in varying something new will be expected to river Wissey which runs north to south quantities on the chalky soils whilst turn up every year for many years within the western boundary, with an heather Calluna vulgaris occurs widely to come. important feeder stream crossing the on the acid sands. area from east to west. * Copies of ‘A Flora of STANTA’ are Recording the fungi requires a different available from the author price £12 The author is a member of the main methodology. Some families such as including p&p. conservation group with a remit to waxcaps Hygrocybe ssp and parasols record both higher and lower plants Macrolepiota ssp occur mainly on Alec Bull and fungi throughout STANTA. The grasslands, but the vast majority of Hillcrest, Main Road (A47), higher plants were surveyed on the fungi grow in and around trees, from East Tuddenham, Dereham, tetrad basis (blocks of 4x1km squares) singletons to dense plantations. Thus, Norfolk between 1990 and 1998, the results fungi have been recorded on a site NR20 3JJ were included in the Flora of Norfolk basis of which, accounts of 49 sites can (1999 Beckett, Bull and Stevenson). be found in the book and with the Tel. 01603 880278 Additions have been added to the number rounded off at fifty during database each year since, whilst the 2012. Many fungi have a mycorrhizal Alec Bull fungi have received increasing association with one or more tree Botanist attention. During the autumn of 2011 species. This is not a parasitic STANTA Conservation Group ‘A Flora of STANTA’ (Bull 2011*) was relationship, but one of mutual
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22 Northumberland Otterburn
Typical terrain used by goats at Otterburn © Duncan Hutt
The Natural Environment Working Galloway, a member of the working over several years, although there was a Group has been established as part of group and an ornithologist who has slight recovery in lapwing, skylark, snipe the Otterburn Conservation Group; been visiting the ranges for many years, and curlew in 2012. Other species such members include Defence has recorded the presence of birds in as meadow pipit, whinchat and Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), 26 kilometre squares, approximately wheatear have remained stable whilst Landmarc Support Services, 10% of the training area. Surveys have buzzards have increased. Northumberland National Park, Natural been carried out following the British England, Northumberland Wildlife Trust Trust for Ornithology Breeding Bird Mammals of the training area have and other stakeholders. Ecological Survey method ensuring a standard been less studied although there is surveys and conservation activities are methodology, allowing comparisons known to be a thriving otter population reported to the group and current and and the identification of trends. His and badgers are widespread. A feature ongoing initiatives include bird surveys, results have shown declines in some of the Cheviot Hills is the small feral a feral goat management plan and species including some ground nesting goat population, which although enhancement of meadows and mires. birds such as black grouse and waders effectively living wild, is descended which have been attributed to the poor originally from domesticated animals. The bird populations of Otterburn weather. Wet weather in spring has This year, work carried out by the Training Area have been regularly restricted breeding productivity and National Park and funded by DIO is surveyed since 2005. Every year Brian cold winters have caused high mortality finding more about the goats that live
Sanctuary 42 • 2013 85 AROUND THE REGIONS
on the training area and how they species-rich meadows are currently relate to other herds in the border area protected through designation as a between England and Scotland. The Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and/ study aims to find out how many or Site of Special Scientific Interest goats are currently living on MOD (SSSI). They and others are also land and whether animals are isolated managed by tenant farmers under the or interact with goats from other areas Higher Level Stewardship scheme at such as Kielderhead or the College Otterburn but there is more to be done valley. An output of the project will be to ensure that the diversity of the a plan estimating the size of the meadows does not decline and to population and any management enhance other grasslands which could requirements needed. be more species-rich.
Otterburn also has several habitats of Another project is looking at ways to international and national importance enhance the extensive areas of peat including upland hay meadows and bog. In common with other areas blanket bogs. Flower-rich meadows are including the North Pennines and the now very rare indeed and there is only Yorkshire Dales blanket bog is being a handful on the training area. The restored by blocking the artificial drains scarcity of wildflower meadows is the known as grips which were dug focus of a campaign launched in March decades ago in an attempt to improve 2013 by the Prince of Wales. drainage of wet ground in the uplands. These projects are currently at an early ‘Coronation Meadows’ is supported by stage of development but will have Plantlife, the Wildlife Trusts and the Rare benefits in years to come. Breeds Survival Trust. It aims to highlight the best meadows across the Dr Moira Owen country and to promote the creation of Ecologist new wildflower meadows. The most Defence Infrastructure Organisation Feral goat © Duncan Hutt
Female whinchat © Andrew Linnett
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Pembrokeshire Castlemartin
23
became apparent that the population was moving seawards. This was confirmed in a thorough survey carried out in 2012 across the entire area. It was thought that this could be attributed to a recent run of wet summers combined with reduced livestock grazing due to the intense firing program.
The chough population on Castlemartin Range also receives a huge amount of attention and protection from the large climbing fraternity. Numbers of nesting pairs have recently dropped to their lowest ever with only eight pairs nesting in 2013. This is thought to be due to a mixture of cold and wet weather causing a lack of available food. The marsh fritillary recorded in good numbers at Castlemartin Range © Lynne Houlston The marsh fritillary butterflies have also Ups and Downs sandbags for use on the Range. suffered recently due to the weather Discussions between the Countryside but as Castlemartin Range has one of The Pembrokeshire Ranges Council for Wales (now Natural the largest colonies in Wales they will Conservation Group monitors a Resources for Wales), resulted in a be monitored closely. On a hot, sunny number of different species but in detailed plan to extract sand within the day in June, it was a sight to behold 2012 they became involved in a SSSI and SAC for the benefit of the with hundreds of fritillaries fluttering project beneficial to a liverwort and petalwort and which the MOD could about the grassland! the military! use for training! To end on a positive note, our Petalwort Petalophyllum ralfsii is a pale Another species which received peregrines returned this year and green liverwort that grows in damp additional attention in 2012 was the successfully bred two chicks. With one calcareous dune slacks where an open, green winged orchid Orchis morio. The chick fledged in 2012 this results in short sward of grasses and/or mosses Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland three chicks in the last ten years. forms a mosaic with compacted bare launched a Threatened Plant Project sandy soil. Petalwort occurs throughout with the green winged orchid Lynne Houlston Western Europe but is infrequent and population at St Govan’s on Castlemartin Ranger declining due to the threats to the Castlemartin Range being chosen for Pembrokeshire Coast National Park dune slacks where it occurs. In 2002, a re-survey by a random selection very large population of petalwort was process. First recorded in 1974, it was recorded at Brownslade Burrows in estimated that there were 200 plants Castlemartin Range. within a 45m2 of winter sheep grazed maritime grassland and heath. This Unfortunately, by 2010 surveys showed number increased to approximately that habitat succession had occurred 2,400 in 1994 and to 7,100 in 2004. and many ‘open’ areas had now closed over despite the quite intensive military A small section of the green winged training that takes place here. orchid population has been fenced each year by the Castlemartin Ranger Up until 2011, Defence Estates (now to prevent the orchids from being Defence Infrastructure Organisation trampled. Counts were also carried out Petalwort under close management at Brownslade (DIO)) was purchasing sand to fill and although numbers varied it Burrows © Lynne Houlston
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Somerset RNAS Merryfield
24
providing the added bonus of rejuvenated vegetation growth to the benefit of plant and wildlife.
The airfield has the added interest of two distinct nightingale colonies, each holding up to six pairs of birds plus non-breeding adults, separated by a quarter of a mile of open grass and runway. To ascertain whether there is site fidelity to either of these breeding areas, a colour ringing scheme has been approved by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO). All nightingales mist-netted and ringed during the course of their short April to July stay in England are given individual colour combinations denoting colony location Rare view of a nightingale in hawthorn © Roger Dickey and year of capture, allowing future The reducing populations of common The nightingale’s song must be the monitoring of inter colony movement. nightingales Luscinia megarhynchos in quintessential sound of early summer in Following recent success at DST the UK and in particular the South West southern woods and copses and yet Leconfield, an inter-service bird-ringing is not reflected at RNAS Merryfield in the bird is now Amber listed in the UK. team is spending several days in Somerset, where sympathetic Still common on the Continent, it is support of this survey, not only adding management of scrub and wildlife becoming harder to find in the west to conservation group data but, as contribute to the most significant and southwest of England with the significantly, showing nationally how densities of these birds in the region. majority of birds now in the east and good habitat management has The random clearance of scrub from southeast of the country. But as woods benefited this bird on the westernmost this part of Somerset, in the pursuit of and coppiced copses become edge of its breeding range. tidiness or more often the availability of increasingly sanitised, the nightingale more arable land, is almost always has in recent years favoured dense Lt Col Roger Dickey without consideration of conservation scrub of bramble and blackthorn which Ornithologist concerns and has implications for the provides additional protection for egg RNAS Conservation Group more delicate balances in nature. The and chick from predation. RNAS Merryfield Conservation Group has resisted this trend and established a At RNAS Merryfield the management of careful balance of operational scrub has become increasingly requirements, recreational interests and important - too much scrub and the conservation to the benefit of encroachment onto hard standing and nightingales. In 2012 they had one of training facilities becomes their most successful breeding years unacceptable in a working and at the time of writing in 2013, are environment yet constant trimming showing evidence of a further increase opens the understory to predators and in the numbers of singing males. leaves the ground-level nests of However, even within conservation nightingales exposed. When much of there are conflicts of interest and only the scrub is blackthorn, there are also regular monitoring and adherence to implications for the eggs of brown an agreed site conservation plan hairstreak butterflies which favour this ensures that the exclusive requirements host plant. A balance has been struck of tactical helicopters, brown hairstreak by only cutting back small areas at a butterflies and nightingales are all met. time over a period of a couple of years, Typical scrub habitat for nightingale © Roger Dickey
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Suffolk RAF Lakenheath 25
With the knowledge and expertise of Dr Jo and myself, the mini beasts were transferred from the nets to trays, where the children, using Pond watch bug dials were able to identify what they had caught. The children had great delight poking around in the muddy water trying to catch the mini invertebrates before we gently replaced them back to their habitat. Some of the species caught included pond snails, freshwater mussels, leeches and freshwater shrimps, even smooth newt tadpoles were found, all were carefully located back to the spot were they had been netted.
The event was a huge success and due to this we are currently still undertaking pond dipping with other classes, some of those who are studying aquatic habitats and water quality within their Peacekeeper Pond Park © Crown school curriculum, further instilling into Gaylord Nelson who in 1970 held the the younger generation the importance RAF Lakenheath promotes first environmental educational forum of environmental stewardship and protection, to ensure that these environmental within the United States. In 1990, this concept was taken globally by Denis resources are here for centuries to stewardship and Hayes stressing the importance of come. RAF Lakenheath students now protecting the environment. know that environmental awareness is sustainability to its youth important every week of the year and population. For RAF Lakenheath, the highlight of not just for Earth Week! the week was the ‘pond dipping’, introducing our budding young Claire Bushnell Operation Earth Week ecologists to the world of flora and Senior Environmental Advisor fauna and in particular mini aquatic for RAF Lakenheath RAF Lakenheath, is an operational beasts, using the bases own spring fed Defence Infrastructure Organisation airbase leased to the United States Air pond, know affectionately as Forces (USAF) and is located 25 miles ‘Peacekeepers Park’. from Cambridge. It has nearly 5,700 active-duty military members, 2,000 Over five days, Claire Bushnell (Defence British and US civilians, four schools in Infrastructure Organisation Senior addition to supporting three combat- Environmental Advisor for RAF ready squadrons of F-15E Strike Eagle Lakenheath) and Dr Joanne Mortimore and F-15C Eagle fighter Squadron’s (Civil Eng Installation Mgt and HH-60G Combat Search and Environmental Water Programme Rescue helicopters. Manager for the USAF) hosted hourly sessions for children aged between 6-8, During the week of the 20-24th April culminating in a total of 189 children 2013, RAF Lakenheath undertook Earth and 31 teachers and adult volunteers. Week expanded on the globally renowned Earth Day celebrated on The children, under supervision were 22nd April each year. Earth Day allowed to dip the pond using nets, originated from a United States Senator, which they undertook with gusto! Newt tadpole © Iain Perkins
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East Sussex Pippingford Park
26
So where do you go if want to see this elusive insect in Pippingford Park?
The larvae live for at least two years (longer in northern climes) amongst the leaf trash and tree roots around the lakes avoiding the carp which are a feature of the lakes. They emerge on shrubs and vegetation around the water’s edge from late June onwards and fly until the end of August. To see the adults you need two things: good sunny weather and patience. Sit close to the edge of one of the lakes; a sunny patch with nearby trees, and if you are lucky, this brilliant green insect will flash past - a male in his search for love. If you are really lucky one may hover in front of you and you can see his brilliant eyes and iridescent green body gleaming in the sun.
To find the females you need even more patience. Any female close to the water will be dragged away by a male to mate. Once mated, the females wait until the sun goes in or until the end of the day when the males go off A newly emerged female brilliant emerald © David Chelmick to feed and then they start to lay their eggs. Find yourself a shady corner and The Brilliant Emerald Dragonfly the early years of the last century, the you may see a lone female flying and at Pippingford Park brilliant emerald was only known in stabbing her body into a mossy bank Scotland. However in the early 1900s it depositing her eggs. Don’t worry if you was discovered at Crowborough don’t see this on your first visit. It took Dragonflies have existed for hundreds Warren and then at Eridge Park in of millions of years; they are aquatic me 20 years before I observed this Sussex. It was then found along the fascinating behaviour. carnivorous insects and having a good Basingstoke canal in Surrey and in the range of species is a fine indicator of a early 1970s the author discovered this David Chelmick healthy pond or steam. The British dragonfly at Pippingford Park and we Dragonfly Society regularly holds Entomologist now know that its prime locations in Pippingford Park Conservation Group meetings at Pippingford Park and two Southern Britain are the lakes of the years ago in early July, 22 species were High Weald. recorded in one day; bearing in mind that there are only 30 species recorded The brilliant emerald is certainly a from the whole of Sussex, this shows beautiful insect, both sexes are a the very diverse set of habitats in brilliant metallic green which explains the park. its scientific name Somatochlora metallica. But this is far from being an In addition to this overall diversity, there easy insect to observe, the males fly is one particular species that breeds on very fast only occasionally hovering in the lakes, that must be considered as sunny corners whilst females only one of the jewels of the Weald. Up until return to water to lay their eggs. David surveying for the brilliant emerald © Crown
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West Sussex Thorney Island
27
from the 1st to early 4th century AD, • Drinking - there is a near complete which appears to have been of some cream flagon, a wine decanter, made status. The occupants had access to at Wiggonholt (near Pulborough). imported goods and involved in Wine and liquids were transported in international trade. They drank wine, ate amphora (large tall jars). The off imported tableware and enjoyed collection has a nearly complete garum, a fish sauce from Spain. cream Spanish rim; in this case the amphora probably held garum. The exhibits cover: There is a half a red ‘Samian’ drinking cup and pieces of dark, thin-walled • Grey Kitchen Ware - most produced beakers from New Forest and Gaul. A 5 miles away at Rowlands Castle or piece of fine greyware was produced Alice Holt in Surrey, including bowls, at Highgate Wood (North London); cooking pots and storage jars. Two decorated with dark dots, possibly a items are almost complete; a bowl cup produced in the shape of a and cooking pot. Two large storage poppy head and used for containers show internal thumb drinking opiates. prints; these are not connected with the manufacturing, but relate to The Society has plans to undertake a Roman cream ware flagon © Ann Davis their use. programme of fieldwork on Thorney • Red Table Ware - red glazed ‘Samian’ to further investigate areas of Thorney Island is situated on the pottery was the table ware of choice Roman occupation. Hampshire/Sussex border within the originating from Gaul (France). In one Chichester Harbour Area of early piece the potter’s mark has Ann Davies Outstanding beauty (AONB). It was been scratched off, possibly by Chichester and District Archaeology taken over by the RAF prior to the someone not wanting to be seen to Society (CDAS) Second World War and now houses the use Roman pottery! It wasn’t long The project was undertaken by Ann 12th and 47th Regiment, Royal Artillery. before British potteries learnt to Davies, Mike Dunn and Pauline Norris of During a visit to St Nicholas, an 11th produce copies; the collection has CDAS www.cdas.info. James Kenny, century church to the east of the island, two pieces from Oxford. the author noticed a mahogany, Gordon Hayden and David Rudkin, local glass-sided display cabinet tucked away experts on Roman archaeology and in a dark corner, probably dating from artefacts kindly provided their professional the late 40s or early 50s. expertise. The Padre, Major Ingham, and his wife provided facilities for the The limited records show all items assessment, enthusiastic support and the came from Thorney, some of them new display cabinets. found by Group Captain Harry Eeles, Station Commander from 1948-50, who it is believed set up the display. Chichester and District Archaeology Roman Samian ware cup © Ann Davis Society (CDAS) organised the re-evaluation of the collection, subsequently working with the Padre to display the artefacts in new display cabinets.
The bulk of the finds are exceptional by virtue of their quality and/or completeness. The age and type of the pottery tells us a great deal about the Thorney inhabitants of 2,000 years ago, Roman grey ware sherd large urn thumb press suggesting a Romano British settlement © Mike Dunn
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Wiltshire Bulford
28
purple emperors were seen near Everleigh and large numbers of small heath appeared in May.
The ornithology sub group’s members have taken part in a number of BTO Surveys all contributing to ensuring that records of our valuable species are included in national records such as the BTO Bird Atlas, Hampshire Tawny Owl Survey, BTO Nightingale and Whinchat Surveys and the Winter Thrush Survey, which includes fieldfares, redwings and mistle thrushes.
Following a spate of exceptionally good weather in early spring, tawny owls had a very successful breeding season in our boxes. We had 20 pairs producing 41 young. We also had a recovery of a bird originally ringed April 1996 (16yrs old). However, the weather deteriorated as summer drew near, with Green hairstreak butterfly © Dave Simmonds kestrels occupying nine boxes (more In late spring of 2012 the Commander The spring walk to monitor amphibians than last year) but only producing 23 of Tidworth, Bulford and Netheravon in the Nine Mile River area was a young; a poor performance. Our target Garrison was informed that his Garrison complete disaster; not even a puddle species, the barn owl, similarly did had just about enough water to last for for them to breed in. However, by the badly, many sites were vacant and only a year. Within weeks the aquifers spring 2013 the generous rainfall had nine pairs bred producing 15 young, supplying the camps were almost full, filled all of the ponds and produced a with three pairs only raising one enough, I am told, to keep the Garrison substantial flow in the river itself. It was young each. going for five dry years. This short amazing to see how previously dry report is drawn from the records of the ponds almost instantly regain their full There were no sightings of little owls sub groups during this unusual period. quota of aquatic flora as soon as the and this species appears to now be water returns. ‘extinct’ on the east of the Plain. We did Despite the wet weather the Botany search a number of traditional locations Sub Group managed a busy The SSSI citation butterfly species Duke but no long eared owls were found programme with no less than 13 of Burgundy was hard to find due to during the breeding season. Strangely, meetings. In June, at Silk Hill, the burt the difficult weather, the adonis blue short eared owls were seen regularly in tip orchid was found in abundance and (also cited) had a very poor year and late spring and a number of sporadic frog orchids were seen for the first time no silver-spotted skippers were sightings in May and June indicate they on Sidbury Hill in July. This is also recorded from Warren Hill above the may have bred. where a known patch of yellow birds Perham Down ranges, where Wiltshire’s nest had proliferated to over 100 only population of this elusive Lt Col David Barron specimens compared to the dozen or butterfly exists. Chairman so which had been recorded in the Bulford Conservation Group previous year. This plant only grows in a On a more positive note several few places in Wiltshire and its butterfly species prospered by their abundance greatly impressed the flight period coinciding with better members of Wiltshire Botanical Society, weeks and by the lush food plant (who were out on the day) who had growth for larvae. Green hairstreak never seen it in such numbers. numbers recovered significantly, two
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Wiltshire Imber
29
the rare periods when the roads are open. The refurbishment a few years ago by the Church Commission with help from the MOD has been a huge success; the ICG provides support to the project whenever it can.
Andrew Bray encourages his Ornithology Group to do further surveys (there was a very successful hen harrier survey over the Winter) targeting specific birds and has led some ‘familiarisation’ walks to give new ICG members confidence to get out on the Plain. Nightingales have been heard in the Warminster Danger Area, and there have been records of short-eared owl, corn buntings and whinchats. The Raptor and Owl Group is concerned about the number of birds that have survived the arctic weather of March following the floods of January and An unsual white burnt-tip variety found on Great Cheverell Hill © Nigel Cope February. Overall the breeding season is very late this year. Barn owl numbers Well, I spoke too soon in last year’s out on the Plain is considerable as the seem to be well down as do tawny owl, edition, extolling the wonderful former group leader Richard Thompson the females struggling to reach the grassland and profusion of cowslips found, but I am not sure that included a correct weight to cope with incubation. and butterflies. It was so brief a lesser horseshoe on the very first Kestrels have not fared much better. A glorious moment for soon after the evening. We are now in a position to new venture by Nigel Lewis and his weather changed for the worst and create a Butterfly Atlas of all the species team is to put some swift nest boxes up seemed to change forever. What a on the Plain following the last few years on the Tilshead Water Tower and in the miserable year we have had since, and of surveying and we have mapped the FIBUA complex, both ideal sites for the Editor expects me to find results of the ad hoc butterfly records the future. something encouraging to say! Ever going back to the 1960s along with our the optimists, the Imber Conservation more recent specific surveying records Regrettably Geordie Ward retired this Group (ICG) has shown a strong start in by grid square. This is being analysed year from making nest boxes of every the first half of 2013 and we are hopeful to direct this year’s surveying shape and size. What a star he has been for the rest of the year. After the requirements. Particular thanks must over the years and how important for depressing start to Spring the last be given to Michael Smith (a founder funding our activities. Good luck month has finally brought out the member of the ICG in 1977) for his Geordie! Unfortunately, space precludes flowers in profusion on the Plain with invaluable support and direction in mention of our other groups this year. good showings of burnt-tip and this project. Other smaller surveys butterfly orchids as well as Star of have been undertaken, such as for Lt Col (Retd) Mike Jelf Bethlehem. A few days sunshine and toads (excellent with all the water and Sub-Group Leaders the butterflies have followed with lying around) and small mammals Imber Conservation Group marsh fritillary and Duke of Burgundy (resurrected after some years on the wing as well as both small blue in abeyance). and the first adonis blues. Enough to cheer anybody up! The Imber Church Project continues to attract the media with Open Country The Bat Group has been resurrected paying a visit to the Plain at the end of and has had a very successful first May. The church attracts hundreds of meeting back in Imber. The potential visitors at Christmas and Easter and in
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Wiltshire Larkhill and Westdown
30
been shot down at the north end of have tried to tempt the barn owls away Well Bottom. The site was pinpointed from the nesting buzzards in areas of but no wreckage found. However we grassland where there is little cover but did find the substantial remains of a lots of food and have invented an First World War 15 Pounder MK1A ‘owl-box-on-a-pole’ to provide a refuge Ehrhardt Field Gun - a gun instrumental during daylight. in the development of artillery equipment in the British Army after Major (Retd) Brian Nicol the Boer War. Secretary Larkhill and Westdown The botany group have been Conservation Group investigating dew ponds on the Plain. Kestrel chicks © Richard Clayton These were dug in the 19th century to provide year-round sources of water for We have five thriving sub groups the vast flocks of sheep kept on the working the central region of Salisbury waterless Plain. They are eight feet deep Plain - the Botanists, Archaeologists, and lined with a mixture of clay, straw Ornithologists, Owls and Raptors and and lime, and are refilled by rain water, Deer Managers. During the year we not dew. A survey is in progress to have found a WWI artillery gun (we record the remaining ponds. were looking for a WWII German bomber), refurbished a memorial, In July the botany group tidied up and ringed over two thousand birds, refurbished the memorial to a German housed and ringed our owls and soldier on the Ridgeway near Lavington kestrels, and managed our deer. Vedette. A cross commemorates Jager Dirk Knoffel of 3 Company 313 We have a unique nightingale colony at Fallshirmjager Battalion - a Parachute Westdown where you can stand and unit of the German Luflande Brigade listen to up to ten birds competing - who was killed in an anti-tank vehicle Pole Box © Nigel Lewis within a 150 metre radius. This year the that rolled over. We traced his old colony is behaving oddly; very little company sergeant major who has breeding (poor summer and a cold passed a photo of the refurbished spring) and males are not settled onto memorial onto Dirk’s parents. territory, no evidence of any females and certainly no nesting - nests should The deer management group’s annual have been built, eggs laid and young census showed a slight decrease in roe beginning to hatch by the end of May. deer numbers, possibly due to the long A bit of a puzzle: hopefully our study spells of unusually wet weather and this will help find the reasons and outcome. has been taken into account in the For other bird species, willow warbler planned cull figures for the year. and grasshopper numbers are up, chiffchaff and lesser whitethroat are Finally our owls and raptors - the down, common whitethroat and weather has taken its toll on the whole blackcap normal. food chain. Early nesting tawny owls were not early and it is probable that a The archaeologists kept with the proportion of barn owls will not reach birdsong theme and mounted breeding condition (this is related to Operation Nightingale, a project to the female body weight) due to the provide recovery and learning lack of their primary food source, field opportunities for soldiers returning voles. However the recent warmer from Afghanistan. The aim was to locate weather may allow them to lay. The and excavate the crash site of a WWII kestrels, too, are running about four German JU-188 bomber known to have weeks late but they are now laying. We German Memorial © Tony Rowlands
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Wiltshire Winterbourne Gunner
31
Regional Prime Contractor produced 100 flat-packed bird boxes of various types, a local school assembled them, numbered each one and presented then to the Centre, there are now 140 nest boxes on the site, and the school is kept informed of the progress of individual boxes.
The woods on the site have not been effectively managed until recent times and are typical chalk-land woods in various states of decay, (would not have them in any other way). Their state of decay is ideal for the resident bird and insect population and fungi. The range staff have worked hard over the years to clear areas of the woods so as to benefit View of wild flower meadow from the QMs office © Crown the flora and fauna. Snowdrops have appeared on the site for the first time in The Defence CBRN (Chemical, which are abundant. The area consists recent memory, with hopefully more Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) of scrubby chalk grassland. The scrub cleared areas coming into bloom in the Centre is east of Salisbury just off the varies from dominant to occasional spring and early summer. The dead A338 is located on a vast swathe of the scattered bushes and consists mainly of wood that has been cleared is now chalk soils, which cover much of hawthorn Crataegus monogyna and formed into suitable stacks that have Wiltshire. It is approximately 350ha of buckthorn Rhamnus catharticus. decayed down encouraging insects, chalk grassland, woodland belts, areas Bramble Rubus fruticosus is also beetles, rodents, (hedgehogs love these of farmed land and buildings. Lowland abundant in the scrubby areas. The areas) and snakes to take up residence, Calcareous Grasslands is the biological most species-rich areas are those where also using the stacks for hibernation definition of the Defence CBRN Centre the vegetation is kept short by grazing during the winter. estate. Lowland calcareous grasslands rabbits. These areas contain at least 17 are developed on shallow lime-rich indicator species of unimproved chalk As alluded to above, over the years the soils overlaying limestone rocks, grassland including harebell main drive has been to reclaim the including chalk. These grasslands are Campanula rotundifolia, common training area from invasive scrub and now largely found on distinct century Centaurium erythraea and hawthorn. This has been very topographical features such as abundant eyebright Euphrasia officinalis successful, with favourable comments escarpments or dry valley slopes and agg. Upright broome Bromus erectus is from DIO Forestry staff, the removal of sometimes on ancient earthworks in abundant in some areas. In other areas, the scrub has resulted in vast areas of landscapes strongly influenced by Common bent Agrostis capillaris, natural wild flowers. With the removal underlying limestone geography. Yorkshire fog Hoclus lanatus and false of a number of buildings from the site More rarely, remnant examples occur grass Agrostis capillars dominate. ‘wild flower’ meadows have been on flatter topography such as on Perforated St John’s wort Hypericum planted on the building footprint the Salisbury Plain. This type of habitat has perforatum is abundant across the site. concept has been very successful. This seen a marked decline in the last 100 Anthills are present indicating that the year 7,000 trees have been planted with years and has become very fragmented. site has been undisturbed in the recent a view to the future; next spring these past. There is a small but active areas will be under-planted with wild Winterbourne Gunner is located at the conservation group within the Centre flower seeds matched to lowland South West end of the Porton Down who yearly add to the contents of the calcareous grassland. estate, which is a SSSI and has great site dossier. There are permanent influence on the Defence CBRN Centre. on-going surveys - wild flowers (six Major (Retd) Keith Lucas The chalk grassland is valuable for its types of orchid), birds, butterflys and Quartermaster diverse flora and most for its associated moths, invertebrates, reptiles and Defence CBRN Centre invertebrates, butterflies and moths, mammals. Three years ago the
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East Yorkshire 32 DST Leconfield Carrs
owls being regularly spotted over the winter months.
On the 17th December we had a nice sighting of a lone waxwing at the top of one of the large trees behind the headquarters building.
Amongst all our usual over wintering ducks on the lakes at Leconfield, we were fortunate to have a drake ring- necked duck from the 20th February through to the 13th March. This North American species is rare in the UK, with this particular bird one of only three in England at the time, with three more Ring-necked duck © Major (Retd) Tim Cowley sighted in the Scillies and one in Ireland. We also had a couple of goldeneye spotted in February too.
In addition to the ducks, four greater white-fronted geese were spotted on the 9th of February.
In 2012, when the RSPB launched the Op TURTLE DOVE initiative campaign, the DST Conservation Group registered the fact that at least five turtle doves have been observed on DST’s training area and birds have definitely been seen to form pairs. As a result of this, on the 9th February 2013, Chris Tomson from the RSPB joined the COS, Lt Col Carol Prosser, Bird Member, Maj (Retd) Tim Cowley, and myself for a four hour walk around the site. Following the visit Chris commented “This is an important site for a range of important species - Turtle dove © Major (Retd) Tim Cowley turtle dove in particular and the RSPB is The 2012/13 season at the Defence allowing ground nesting birds like pleased to offer expertise and support in School of Transport, whilst on the skylark time for a third brood. an ongoing capacity.” whole a pretty damp and dismal year, started off well enough with Training Our usual sparrow hawks were joined Alan Bakewell MCMI Area Supervisor Allan Maskell lucky by a pair of buzzard displaying and DST Leconfield Carrs enough to see a roe doe giving birth to taking up residence on site, with a a fawn right in front of his vehicle. further single buzzard also seen on numerous occasions. A pair of curlew showed interest in the grassland on the training area during Young tawny owls were both heard and the spring as the grass is left to grow on seen on site, along with the odd and is taken as silage in late July glimpse of little owl, and three barn
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North Yorkshire 33 Catterick
Wetlands and hide at Foxglove Covert © Crown
Conservation activities on Catterick woodland establishment, black grouse and recuperation and were returned Training Area have, like many sites, regeneration works, moorland once their condition had improved. Bird been influenced by the weather. The restoration and SSSI management. ringing activities continue as part of the agricultural tenants describe the last 12 Working in partnership with the Constant Effort Site in Foxglove Covert months as one long wet and damp National Trust, Yorkshire Dales National Local Nature Reserve; of special note a winter. Major (Retd) Tim Helps, our Park and the Swaledale Outdoor Club 16 year old jay has been caught which Lepidoptera specialist, said that the an interpretation leaflet has been was originally ringed in 1997. This was recording butterflies and moths in produced to satisfy an ever increasing just a few months off the British record. spring 2013 had been an unrewarding public demand to walk this spectacular experience. Against this backdrop a route, which now forms part of the long Foxglove Covert Local Nature considerable amount of conservation distance Swale Way footpath. Reserve work has been achieved. Ornithology Foxglove Covert Local Nature Reserve Downholme Permissive continues to thrive attracting more Footpath Project Activity has been co-ordinated by species and visitors than ever before. Major Tony Crease chairman of the School projects have taken place The 5.8km permissive footpath Conservation Group. Barn owls and throughout most of the summer and between Downholme and Hudswell tawny owls have suffered due to the over half a million people have now links up existing rights of way in poor weather conditions; two enjoyed the facilities the reserve has to Swaledale and showcases many MOD underweight barn owls were recovered offer. More than 10,000 hours of conservation projects such as native and sent onto a bird sanctuary for rest volunteer time is contributed annually
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July which attracted hundreds of value of the training area; provide visitors during the two days and habitats for a range of species at the involved species recording over 20 same time will provide a sustainable natural history disciplines. Many varied training facility for decades to come. walks and activities were conducted which were popular with the public; From Farms to Arms these included moth trapping, bird ringing, lichen and fern identification The conservation group project to and rural crafts such as coracle making produce a History of Catterick Training and pottery. Area book is nearing completion and the document provisionally named Woodland Development “From Farms to Arms” runs to over 200 Project pages. Many hours of work have been undertaken by Nancy Tanner, the The Catterick Training Area specialist researcher, and Phil Abramson development plan has highlighted the DIO Archaeologist; which involved interviewing, collecting photographs, Garrison cookhouse and dining rooms constructed in need for additional woodlands; 1915 © Henry Boot photo archive principally these were required to researching archives and collating. The support military training needs and to book will be published on completion from members of the local civilian, provide a sustainable woodland of the final edit and all members of the military and ex-military community. resource. Working with tenant farmers, conservation group can be justifiably The award-winning website has had 100ha of new mixed woodland proud of this achievement. more than a million ‘hits’ and 1,500 planting is planned to go ahead in 2013 community groups have visited in the and 2014. This project has been made Graham Newcombe past two years alone. Over 50,000 new possible by the tenant farmers and DIO Senior Estate Surveyor birds have been ringed on the site and staff working closely together to submit Defence Infrastructure Organisation 93,000 have been processed which is an application for Woodland Grant remarkable. The most recent success Scheme funding. These new woodland Major (Retd) Tony Crease has been the Bioblitz weekend held in blocks will enhance the conservation Chairman Conservation Group
North Yorkshire 34 Ripon Parks
Ripon Parks, a military training area covering approximately 274ha (678 acres) which borders the River Ure and is predominantly a SSSI that includes large areas of open grassland, oak and birch woodland (Fox Covert wood contains some stunning mature oaks), several lakes/ponds (some containing a rich, aquatic flora and fauna), fenland and hawthorn copses. The greater part of the training area is farmed under tenancy agreements, being grazed by sheep and cattle, some under environmental stewardship.
For over 40 years local ornithologists have visited the area, during which time several species have become locally extinct, such as stonechat and whinchat. Since 2002, the East Dales Ringing Group have carried out bird Redwing feeding on berries © Dr Chris Lewis
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ringing studies (using mist nets) in the the birds in the treetops - 80 redwings, and Steve Worwood started recording various habitats which make up the 4 fieldfares and 10 blackbirds were there in 2002. Since then, equipped mosaic that is Ripon Parks. ringed between mid October and early with generators and Mercury Vapour November. This period was also light traps, some 24 visits have been In the earlier years, Fox Covert wood notable for unusually high numbers of made to this interesting wood, with its was one of the core sites used on the lesser redpolls migrating through the wonderful ancient oak trees, open annual Catterick Ringing Course, country and the team took full grassland areas and regenerated marsh. organised by Major (Retd) Tony Crease. advantage - managing to ring 145, one To date, 386 species have now been Some 635 birds of 27 species (including of which was subsequently re-caught, recorded, several of which are local seven species of warblers) were ringed as it continued its journey, in South rarities, including Epermenia falciformis, during the three year period the site Yorkshire. Prior to that, only 32 had ever Olethreutes micana, Pammene rhediella, was in use. Since 2010, bird ringing been ringed on the Parks! dark umber, round-winged muslin, activities have centred on three plain clay and white marked. Another areas - Round Hill (open hawthorn During winter 2011/12, a large, mixed species, the lesser cream wave, has woodland), the Dubb (seasonally flock of finches and buntings was been recorded fewer than 30 times for flooded pond with scattered willows) located, feeding in a game cover crop the whole of Yorkshire, many of the and Green Lane Ponds (three ponds (and spilt grain from pheasant feeders), records dating from the 19th century. bordered by tall, hawthorn hedgerows the birds roosting in an adjacent The three found flying during the day and a game crop). These sites have their blackthorn/hawthorn thicket near over the wet grassland area east of own unique attractions to different Green Lane Ponds. Carefully positioned Fox Covert wood by Dr. Fletcher in species of bird and several species of mist nets enabled the ringers to catch July 2004 were the first for this part warblers breed in the general area. 58 yellowhammers, 54 reed buntings of Yorkshire! The Dubb has proved very attractive to and most tricky of all to catch, two corn passage willow warblers, 70 being buntings. One reed bunting was In addition to the moth recording, the ringed here during autumn 2012 (two already ringed and after submitting the bird ringers record and count any or three pairs also breed on site). record to the British Trust for butterflies seen during their visits which Ornithology we were informed it had has resulted in a site list of 20 species, A mature hawthorn copse is a favourite travelled some 91km from Lancashire including the locally rare white-letter feeding site for the Scandinavian to spend the winter across the Pennines hairstreak and gatekeeper. thrushes which migrate to the UK in in the Ripon Parks area. late autumn in search of food Jill Warwick (berries) - based on a Swedish design, a Apart from one random visit back in The Dales Ringing Group and double-height elevator net was 1983, no dedicated moth trapping had Ripon Conservation Group installed here in autumn 2012 and been carried out at Fox Covert wood proved highly successful at catching until Dr. Charlie Fletcher, Jill Warwick
Corn bunting majestically singing © Dr Chris Lewis
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Cyprus 35 Sovereign Base Areas
Year of environmental achievements for the Sovereign Base Areas Administration in Cyprus
The funding for the construction of the permanent Akrotiri Environment Education and Information Centre was approved last year and the ceremony for the new centre took place in March 2013; with a wide attendance including the Commander British Forces, members of the Akrotiri Community, representatives from the Republic of Cyprus and non-governmental organisations. Construction is expected to be completed by 2014 and will be a landmark in the Akrotiri community. The Akrotiri Peninsula, with its wetlands and surrounding mosaic of habitats, is a hotspot of biodiversity for flora and fauna and the new centre will contribute to the conservation and Basketry workshop, World Wetlands Day celebrations © Thomas Hadjikyriakou sustainable promotion of this unique site which has huge environmental value, not just for the Sovereign Base Areas but for Cyprus as a whole. The centre, which has been operating from rented accommodation, has been part of the Cyprus network of Environmental Education Centres since 2008 and has offered environmental programs to more than 35,000 school children and more than 1,000 teachers and students. The aspiration now is to extend its daily programmes to multi-day ones, with accommodation at the village, creating more income and interest for the local community. Also to expand its activities with eco-tourism initiatives which will have important financial benefits for the community; as well as raising awareness on the cultural and historic importance of the area; such as the Ground-breaking ceremony, Akrotiri Environmental Education and Information Centre © Samantha Wylie promotion of basketry and other Day 2013 on 2nd February. Local children to the traditional craft and with traditional crafts? residents and visitors learned about the guidance from local basket-makers and importance of the wetlands and did personnel from the centre children In cooperation with the Akrotiri some bird-watching. Plants were created their own small straw baskets Community Council and the Akrotiri collected from the wetlands (reedmace, and trays. These together with Primary School several events were rushes and sedges) and used for a photographs of the wetlands taken by organised to celebrate World Wetlands basket weaving workshop, introducing school children, were presented at an
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conservation, monitoring Griffon vultures and other bird species and co-ordination of archaeological excavations. The Republic of Cyprus Antiquities Department has, since 2007, been excavating what appears to be an important Christian monument dating back to the 6th century which was destroyed by an earthquake in the 7th century.. The excavation has unveiled floors with well preserved mosaics, bronze coins and marble and glass fragments. The wider archaeological site appears to be of great significance and it is estimated that it covers an area Bird watching event, World Wetlands Day celebrations © Thomas Hadjikyriakou of 240,000m3. exhibition as part of the celebrations. Republic of Cyprus government The children also organised and departments. Everyone was very The next big project is all the work presented a theatrical play with songs positive on the recommendations of associated with the designation of the and poems on the wetlands. the Environmental Management Plan Special Areas of Conservation; this to development eco-tourism that will includes confirmation of all the The Akrotiri Peninsula Environmental co-exist with nature protection and at qualifying candidate sites and a wide Management Plan which covers the the same time generate significant stakeholder consultation with the Special Protection Areas for Birds, financial gains for the local objective to formally designate the candidate Special Areas of Conservation communities. The next steps include areas by the middle of 2014. for habitats, flora and fauna species and the discussions of the proposed actions the Ramsar sites was completed in 2012 with each community separately and Alexia Perdiou and the SBAA Environment Department the adoption and implementation of Environment Department gave a presentation covering the the recommended actions. Sovereign Base Areas Administration ecological, cultural and historic significance to members of the The SBAA Environment team continues communities concerned, NGOs, and to work on other issues such as turtle
36 Gibraltar British Forces Gibraltar
the IRMP by Commander British Forces of joint working and communication: Commodore John Clink and Minister for “Military training and conservation can Environment Dr John Cortes. Cdr Clink go hand in hand, Salisbury Plain is a good welcomed the group and re-affirmed example of how a designated site can be his commitment to the IRMP from both managed while still providing an excellent himself and his command: “This is a military training facility.” Dr Keith unique part of Gibraltar and as part of our Bensusan, Head of the Strait of Gibraltar overall sustainable strategy we have Bird Observatory: “This is music to my worked in collaboration with the Government of Gibraltar and all conservation societies to ensure the IRMP is an effective tool which will help us deliver MOD policy.”
As part of the Conservation Group Buffadero’ rich wild flowers © Cpl Crowe future decisions for the site are made in full consultation with the Governmental DIO and British Forces Gibraltar are Department for the Environment and pleased to announce the establishment NGOs. Nicolas Andrews-Gauvain, DIO of the BF Gibraltar Conservation Group. Environmental Advisor gave a This was done at the official signing of presentation highlighting the benefits The official signing of the IRMP © Cpl Crowe
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ears and a lot of goodwill has gone into happening on a small level already but environment to me, I have sincerely this. It is an important area for wildlife now we have all key players on board.” noticed a difference here, Gibraltar needs and biology and essential for the Minister Cortes’ absolute passion for the this, we have a European and migration of birds. The IRMP goes a long environment was evident following the International responsibility for the way to addressing continuing official signing when he said: “This is an environment and this will provide long conservation issues and it has provided a emotional moment for me, in the 60’s I term sustainability with a lasting impact.” road map for the management of the used to come up here and log the birds site.” Dr Keith Farrell, Chairman of the and have enjoyed the wildlife here for Nicolas Andrews-Gauvain Gibraltar Heritage Trust was also years. This is even more significant and Overseas Environmental Advisor present at the launch and said “We are important to me now because the people Defence Infrastructure Organisation really formalising what has been of Gibraltar have entrusted the
Falklands 37 British Forces South Atlantic Islands
between wild and domestic fowl - I will not go into where you have to stick a cotton bud for that!! We have been active in helping control invasive plants on MOD property too, with ragwort, thistle and greater plantain Plantago major coming under the spotlight.
Our membership is a mix between continuity post, family members, contractors and personnel on short term (4 to 6 month) postings. Opportunity is taken in the summer months to get out and enjoy the incredible wildlife and the Falklands scenery and in the winter, to undertake as many conservation tasks as we can. The group has around 100 members.
BFSAI Conservation Group team after a morning litter picking in Mare Harbour, Falklands © Roy Smith Roy Smith Theatre Health, Safety & Environmental It’s been a pretty standard year down business with pleasure? We have joined Protection Officer here with the penguins! Our monthly with Falklands Conservation to help dig evening meetings have embraced and replant blue and tussac grass into subjects as diverse as comparisons areas damaged by environmental between the North and South Poles, conditions or fire. We also spent a rotational farming, oil exploration whole Sunday on our knees removing around the Falklands, raptors - the as much calafate from Port Sussex farm myths (good and bad press), as we could. Calafate, commonly conserving and control of Falklands fish named Magellan barberry Berberis stock, MOD ranges and of course microphylla or Berberis buxifolia, is a penguins. All talks have had an South American invasive evergreen environmental and conservation shrub species with shiny box-like leaves. slant and all, of course, have been sixteen of the group managed to clear very interesting. 70m x 70m of a 7km2 area. More work required, I think! Our group activities have included several beach cleans - the latest We have identified an elephant seal Sgt Graham Laurenson and Roy Smith, helping involved the collection of drift wood with Seal Pox and notified the Falklands Conservation remediate eroded land by and a bonfire on the beach with marsh authorities, helped Madrid University planting tussac at Cape Pembroke, near mellows - who says you can’t mix undertake a study into the relationships Stanley © Crown
102 Sanctuary 42 • 2013 DEFENCE INFRASTRUCTURE ORGANISATION CONTACTS
Defence Infrastructure ODC Utilities Team Organisation The ODC Utilities team is responsible for Energy Management, Energy Delivery and DIO manages the MOD’s property Payment, along with Water and Waste Policy infrastructure and ensures strategic Implementation across the MOD estate both management of the Defence estate as a UK and overseas. whole, optimising investment and providing the best support possible to the Energy Management Team military. Tel: 0121 311 2060 Secretariat maintains the long-term strategy Energy Delivery and Payment Team for the estate and develops policy on estate Tel: 0121 311 2457 management issues. It is the policy lead for sustainable estate. Water and Waste Policy Implementation
Tel: 0121 311 2144 Operational Development and Coherence Strategic Asset Management The ODC Infrastructure Professional Services and Programming Team (IPS) team provides professional support to SAPT acts as the strategic infrastructure the MOD. IPS acts as a focal point for all planners and policy makers for Defence, environmental needs and enquiries across taking a Defence-wide perspective on the the estate providing a dedicated estate’s assets. Fern frond with spores © Iain Perkins team of professional experts in a variety of environmental disciplines. Estate Policy Including agriculture, forestry, DIO Infrastructure Professional Services nature conservation, historic environment, Building 21 public access, byelaws, and Town and Westdown Camp Country Planning. Tilshead Salisbury SP3 4RS Sustainable Estate Policy Tel: 01980 674704 The opinions expressed in the magazine Including sustainable procurement, climate are not necessarily those of the Ministry of change adaptation and environmental IPS Natural Environment Team assessment processes. Defence. Notwithstanding Section 48 of Tel: 01980 674820 the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act IPS Historic Environment Team Environmental Compliance Policy 1988, the Ministry of Defence reserves the Tel: 01980 674718 including waste management, land right to publish authors’ literary and contamination, energy, and environmental photographic contributions to Sanctuary IPS Sustainable Development Support protection. in further and similar publications owned Tel: 01980 674866 by the Ministry of Defence. This is subject Tel: 0121 311 3693 to contrary agreement, which must be IPS Environmental Planning Team Tel: 01980 674665 communicated to the editor in writing. Authors’ contributions will be IPS Access and Recreation Team acknowledged with each and every Tel: 01985 222913 Defence publication. Maps in this publication are reproduced from the Ordnance Survey IPS Scottish Environmental Liaison Team Infrastructure map, by Defence Infrastructure Tel: 01383 648042 Organisation Organisation, with the permission of the controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, Crown Copyright.
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Submissions If you would like to contribute to Sanctuary Magazine or enter future Sanctuary Awards please contact Iain Perkins, Editor at: [email protected] View across to the strip lynchets on Scratchbury hill from Battlesbury hillfort © Mike Jelf
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