A Biodiversity Audit a Biodiversity Audit of the Tame and Trent River

A Biodiversity Audit ofof the Tame and Trent River Valleys inin Staffordshire (including(including the Central Rivers Initiative and thethe Tame Valley Wetlands Project areas) 20062006-2006---7777

Nick Mott June 2007

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust Wolseley Bridge, Stafford Contents

1. Introduction 3

2. Background 4

3. Results of the Biodiversity Audit 4

4. Non-site specific recommendations 54

5. Recommendations for Key Sites 56

------References 132 Acknowledgements 132 Publication data 132

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

Location map for the study area.

1. INTRODUCTION

This report details the findings of a biodiversity survey of the Tame and Trent river valleys from the Warwickshire border at Middleton Hall Quarry on the River Tame to the Derbyshire border at the confluence of the Rivers Dove and Trent near Newton Solney. The study was carried out between January 2006 and March 2007.

The biodiversity surveys and audit were commissioned by the Environment Agency for the Central Rivers Initiative area, and the Green Arc Partnership (with additional funding from Natural England) for the Tame Valley Wetlands Project area in Staffordshire. Permission was given by both sponsors to combine the findings into a single report.

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

The scope of the project work was as follows: A Phase I habitat survey for the entire study area (apart from active quarries). Undertake targeted species’ surveys to update information and to ‘fill in the gaps’. Complete a re-survey of Sites of Biological Importance (SBIs) in Tamworth Borough. Collate and digitise all the species and habitat data. Identify where existing mineral restoration proposals exist and the end use of site. Identify areas with existing management agreements. Contact river valley landowners and discuss and promote the delivery of biodiversity enhancements. Deliver a ‘Landowners’ Day’ at a suitable location within the project area. Deliver three family learning / community events. Design and undertake wetland rehabilitation works at a key site. Use this rehabilitated wetland site to promote Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and the work of the project.

Recommendations for future biodiversity work within the project area are included in Sections 3.3 (Species), 4 (Non-site specific) and 5 (Sites).

2. BACKGROUND

For many years Staffordshire has been the UK’s largest producer of land-won sand and gravel. The vast majority of these sand and gravel quarries are concentrated within the Tame and Trent river valleys where the mineral resource is at its most abundant. Today’s landscape is dominated by a string of quarries at various stages of extraction and “restoration”.

The Central Rivers Initiative (CRI) was set up as a partnership in November 1997. A strategy was produced on behalf of the partners in April 1999 (Entec http://www2.staffordshire.gov.uk/centralrivers/default.htm). A project officer was employed to promote the implementation of this strategy between 2001 and 2004, but perhaps the most impressive aspect of the CRI is the partnership that was established. The mineral companies, in particular, were well represented by Hanson, Lafarge and Aggregate Industries. Part of the CRI area also falls within the National Forest boundary.

The Tame Valley Wetlands Project (TVWP) was initiated in 2005 to form a partnership of organisations to promote an integrated approach to the management of the Tame River Catchment. The project has also helped to achieve improved communication between organisations working across the county boundaries of Birmingham, Warwickshire and Staffordshire.

3. RESULTS OF THE BIODIVERSITY AUDIT

3.1 Aims

The CRI Strategy (Entec, 1999) identified a series of aims for the multi-functional use of the Tame and Trent river valleys.

The emphasis of this report is to use the updated ecological data gathered in 2006 and early 2007 to list a series of site-specific and non site-specific recommendations aimed at promoting measures to enhance biodiversity and deliver targets in the Staffordshire Biodiversity Action Plan (SBAP, revised edition, 2001) in the project area. 4

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

3.2 Phase I Habitat Survey

3.2.1 Assessment of the Habitat Survey Results

A Phase I Habitat Survey was completed for the entire project area with the exception of active quarries. This information has been provided to the sponsors separately as a GIS Mapinfo layer.

The information is useful in a number of ways. Most importantly, it helps inform recommendations for (i) quarry restorations, (ii) providing habitat corridors for the movement of species and (iii) targeting agri- environment schemes and National Forest tender schemes.

Semi-natural habitats in the project area are fragmented. Some connectivity is provided by the Tame and Trent river corridors, their tributaries and the canal network (Trent & Mersey, Coventry and the Birmingham & Fazeley canals). Large-scale gravel pit restoration provides the main opportunities to create ‘meaningful’ areas of semi-natural habitats in line with the targets in the UK and Staffordshire BAPs. Additional connectivity has been created in recent times by the National Forest Company (NFC) via its tender scheme. Entry Level Schemes (ELS) and Higher Level Schemes (HLS)

Summary of Phase 1 Habitat Survey results

Central Rivers Tame Valley Habitat type (Ha) (Ha) Broadleaved woodland 13.3 73.5 Broadleaved semi-natural woodland 1.4 24 Broadleaved plantation 94.6 9.3 Coniferous plantation 0.5 0.7 Mixed plantation 1.8 8.4 Scrub 8.3 12.4 Parkland 7.5 10.3 Semi-improved grassland 71.7 46.2 Improved grassland 264.3 379.8 Marshy grassland 1.39 6 Poor semi-improved grassland 254.1 281.1 Tall herb 33.9 20.2 Wetland margins 5.6 2.7 Standing open water 74.2 57 Running open water 183.1 114.2 Arable 336.8 2248.1 Amenity grassland 111.7 31.3 Buildings 47.4 6.4 Bare ground 2.2 30.7 Quarry 300.3

On balance, the Central Rivers Initiative (CRI) area retains a more diverse mix of semi-natural habitats than the Tame Valley Wetlands Project (TVWP). CRI also has a greater proportion of wetland habitat. Overall, however, the area is currently dominated by arable, improved grassland, poor semi-improved grassland and amenity grassland.

The TVWP area is clearly dominated by arable, improved grassland, poor semi-improved grassland and amenity grassland. Semi-natural habitats are poorly represented. 5

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

Central Rivers Area - habitats outside listed nature conservation sites

Broadleaved woodland Broadleaved semi-natural woodland Broadleaved plantation Coniferous plantation Mixed plantation Scrub Parkland Semi-improved grassland Marshy grassland Arable and improved grassland Tall herb Wetland margins Standing open water Running open water Buildings Bare ground

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

Tame Valley Area - habitats outside listed nature conservation sites

3.2.2 Ponds The study identified a severe lack of farm, village and “wildlife” ponds. The majority have been lost to quarrying, agricultural intensification and natural succession to scrub. The majority of the recently excavated larger ponds that have been created have been developed as stillwater fisheries. These pools are generally poor habitats for many wetland species (especially amphibians and dragonflies). Gravel pit ‘restoration’ offers the opportunity to create non-fishery pools, ephemeral pools (i.e. those that dry out naturally every 1-5 years) and ox-bows.

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

Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) is another key way to create new ponds, wildlife ditches, swales and other wetlands as a positive measure to offset the impact of new developments on wildlife, flood risk and the landscape.

Targeted agri-environment schemes (Entry Level Scheme, Higher Level Scheme, National Forest tender schemes) also offer scope to protect and sensitively manage existing ponds, dig new ponds at suitable locations and provide vital links for key species like grass snake, great-crested newt and red-eyed damselfly.

A number of wildlife ponds were destroyed in the 1990s as part of housing development on an area of “brownfield site” land at the former Stretton Cement Works adjacent to the Trent & Mersey Canal (SK 260264). A more enlightened approach is being promoted now through Local Development Frameworks to promote SuDS and to assess individual sites (brownfield or greenfield) on merit.

As part of the 2006 project, Warwickshire Moor (a proposed Local Nature Reserve) in Tamworth, was rehabilitated to re-create areas of open water. A number of new ponds and wildlife ditches were excavated (including two SuDS ponds that intercept “grey water” from road and roof run-off and which previously outfalled directly into the River Anker).

One of the new SuDS ponds at Warwickshire Moor SBI Pond created at Barton Quarry.

Stretton Cement Works SBI. Ponds destroyed by a Two kilometre swale created at Barton Turn. A SuDS demonstration site. Housing development in the late 1990s.

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

3.2.3 Open Water

This is not a particularly rare habitat in the study area. Flooded gravel pits, lagoons, ornamental lakes, balancing lakes, fishing lakes, canals and marinas are all good examples of open water sites.

Gravel pit restoration to open water. (Left) Whitemore Haye …and (Right) Barton Quarry.

3.2.4 Reedbeds

Many of the open water bodies and watercourses within the study area are deep with steep-sided edges. Shallows are the main zone in which reedswamp vegetation will form. The overall amount of reedbed (usually dominated by Phragmites or Typha) within an area with so much open water habitat, is small. Branston Water Park and Drakelow Nature Reserve currently have the largest stands of this habitat, but sizeable areas of reedbed are also planned at Middleton Hall, Dosthill, Newbold, Tucklesholme and Barton Quarries. An additional area of reedbed is to be created at Drakelow Nature Reserve.

Large reedbeds can be suitable for specialist wildlife like bittern, bearded tit and the Fenn’s wainscot moth, but benefit considerably if the uniformity is broken up by micro-topography, islands, scrapes, pools and networks of open water channels within the reedswamp complex. It’s the ‘edge effect’ that is most important in increasing the biodiversity interest within this habitat type. It increases the ‘carrying capacity’ of individual sites for bittern and other specialists and provides additional opportunites for otter, water vole, eel, amphibians, grass snake and a wider range of invertebrates.

Creating reedbeds at Middleton Hall Quarry Reedbeds near Branston

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

3.2.5 Rivers and Streams

Over 85% of rivers and streams in England and Wales have been modified for land drainage, flood defence and other reasons (Environment Agency, 1998). The study area has an even greater percentage of highly modified watercourses. In many cases, the deepening and straightening of rivers and streams means that they have become effectively separated from their traditional flood plains. Thus the pressure of unsustainable drainage and flash flooding increases downstream. Two expensive flood alleviation schemes to improve hard defences in Burton-upon-Trent have been carried out in last decade.

A weir on the River Trent at Burton Mill. Weirs remove energy from the river, create ‘ponded’ reaches upstream and interrupt fish movement and geomorphological processes.

River rehabilitation projects provide opportunities to restore natural processes such as deposition and erosion and promote re-alignment with its floodplain.

A river meander on the River Tame at Kingsbury Water Park after re-profiling was completed.

River braiding works at Middleton and Dosthill Quarries by Hanson (in partnership with Staffordshire County Council and the Environment Agency) have been very successful and inspirational. A Revision of the Mineral Plan was carried out so that Hanson Aggregates could excavate the sand and gravel deposits along the 30 metre ‘stand off strip’ along the River Tame. Hanson benefited financially by gaining access to the mineral and BAP targets for river restoration and other wetland habitats were also realised. Over 1000 metres of the River Tame has been rehabilitated (so far) by doubling the width of the channel whilst leaving in a chain of islands. New sediment pathways have been created. Deposition, erosion and scouring has been activated (important elements of a river’s ‘self cleansing’ capacity). Sequences of riffles, pools were created whilst deposits of exposed sediments and mud formed new habitats within the channel including backwaters, reedswamp and wet woodland.

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

Close up of habitats in the braided channel at Middleton Hall Quarry

The study identified several locations with good or recovering geomorphology. The Lower Dove at Egginton and Clay Mills (owned by Severn Trent Water) has perhaps the best examples of river habitat structure within the study area. The Darnford and Fisherwick Brooks are recovering as riparian trees contribute to a build up of in-channel coarse woody debris (CWD). CWD has a vital role to play in creating new sediment pathways and raising bed levels in the long term. The Lower Mease SAC at Croxall is another good example of a river with recovering geomorphology. This watercourse was diverted in the 1970s to exploit the mineral resources at the site. Riffle and pool sequences are forming together with riparian vegetation and trees. The site is managed by CHADS and SWT (in partnership with the NFC).

3.2.6 Bare ground

Bare ground is important for a number of species. Sand martins nest in vertical faces, ringed plovers and oystercatchers nest on exposed sediments, common terns use bare sediments on lake islands, specialist invertebrates (e.g. solitary bees and wasps, for which a Species Action Plan has been devised in the SBAP) use a variety of bluffs, scrapes and exposures to excavate their nests, reptiles like Viviparous lizard, grass snake, adder and slow worm use bare ground as basking sites. Active mineral sites expose substrates and create good areas of bare ground.

However, most quarry restoration plans are still too tidy! Sandy faces and scrapes are often levelled and removed. Topsoil is often introduced or replaced from peripheral bunds to create a tidy, uniform restoration to prepare the site for tree planting, new-sown grasslands or low-grade agricultural land.

Existing restoration plans for mineral sites need to be reviewed to seek opportunities to promote less uniform landscapes. A certain percentage of topsoil could be buried, sold or tipped into deep lakes or pools (to help create shallows and marginal vegetation). Substrates can then be exposed to foster crucial conditions for some of the specialist and rare species listed above. 11

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

Bare ground habitat at Dosthill Quarry in 2003. These areas are often transient and require frequent disturbance, such as grazing or visitor pressure, to keep them open.

3.2.7 Wet woodland

Apparently the meaning of the place name for Alrewas is “place of the alder swamp”. This gives an indication of the character of much of the Tame-Trent valleys at the time when early settlements were established.

Wet woodland is now a fragmented and rare habitat in the study area due to the major changes to floodplains and watercourses. Pockets survive in suitable areas. Good examples include (i) Clay Mills at the Dove-Trent confluence, (ii) Branston Water Park where the reedbed magins have naturally succeeded to alder and willow carr, (iii) Wychnor where the River Trent and the Trent & Mersey Canal run together for 200 metres or so and breaches have been engineered to allow water to back up into areas of grassland (a type of washland) and wooded wetland, (iv) Cherry Holme: a former river island which is encompassed by, but not part of, Barton Quarry and is part of the Catton Hall estate, (v) parts of Fisherwick Woods (North) SBI, and (vi) the margins of Hopwas Hays Wood and its river island.

Wet woodland is a Habitat Action Plan (HAP) that, locally, regionally and nationally, is not being delivered. Many floodplain woodlands, which have been planted with a wet woodland mix, fail to develop as characteristic carr woodland. This is often due to low water tables or a lack of seasonal inundation.

Quarry restorations offer the best opportunites to recreate meaningful areas of this habitat type. Suitable hydrological conditions can be designed to maximise the extent of wet woodland.

Wet woodland at Cherry Holme, Catton Hall Estate …and at Elford (North) 12

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

3.2.8 Lowland Wet Grassland

Lowland wet grassland / floodplain grazing marsh is another habitat that has become fragmented by past land drainage and river engineering schemes. Gravel extraction has further reduced the extent of this habitat within the study area. Characteristic species such as ground-nesting birds (including lapwing, snipe and redshank) are restricted to one or two breeding sites as a result.

Small areas of wet grassland survive at Clay Mills, the Catton Hall Estate and Wychnor meadows.

The restored Dosthill Quarry comprises areas of floodplain grazing marsh. However livestock grazing, removed during the foot and mouth outbreak in 2001, has not been restored. Elford Quarry (North) was listed to have a significant proportion (approximately 50 hectares) to be restored as wet grassland. The survey in 2006/7 identified that the majority of this site was restored to open water, reedswamp and semi- improved grassland with only a small area being characteristic of wet grassland. The remainder was restored as arable farmland.

Re-wetting options in the HLS offer good opportunities to rehabilitate this habitat. Revision of individual gravel pit restorations need to reduce areas listed to be reverted to arable land or open water and increase restoration targets for key floodplain habitats like wet woodland, reedbed and grazing marsh.

Wet grassland at Wychnor. This is a former water meadow and an attractive site for wildfowl and waders during the winter.

3.2.9 Native Woodland

Ancient woodland is often considered to be woodland that can be identified in the Doomsday Book. However, secondary -or replanted- woodland, which has been identified prior to 1860 is also listed on the national inventory as an “ancient woodland site”.

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

The study area has a highly fragmented resource of this habitat which is concentrated in the area to the south-west of Burton-upon-Trent as part of the surviving Needwood Forest. Other important sites include the Catton Hall estate in South Derbyshire, Fisherwick Woods, Wetleyhay Wood and Hopwas Hays Wood. Many of the sites have been impoverished by pheasant rearing, the introduction or spread of exotic species (e.g. Rhododendrum) and poor management (e.g. the removal of veteran trees and the tidying up of dead wood).

Much of the work to link this habitat is being carried by the NFC in partnership with landowners.

Dead standing wood. Vital. Un-surveyed broad-leaved woodland at Elford (North).

Ungraded broad-leaved woodland area near Hopwas 14

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

3.2.10 Diverse Hedgerows

Agricultural intensification and, in particular, the removal of hedgerows to create much larger field units has had a colossal impact on this habitat. The study area is particularly poor for ancient / diverse hedgerows. The development of large sand and gravel quarries throughout the study area has resulted in the removal of many hedgerow networks. Hedgerows are, of course, vitally important wildlife corridors and key habitats in their own right for a number of fungi, insect, bird and mammal species.

The NFC and agri-environment schemes present the best frameworks for delivering hedgerow HAP targets.

3.2.11 Arable Field Margins

Over 70% of the land use outside SBIs, BASs and active quarries within the study area is arable farmland.

With recent reforms to the Common Agricultural Policy and a resulting shift from subsidy-driven farming to new incentives to protect, re-create and enhance habitats and species through Environmental Stewardship, many farmers and landowners are now incorporating field margins into their farm systems.

Field margins provide a number of benefits for wildlife not least increasing habitat diversity and widening wildlife corridors. They also help to act as ‘filter strips’ along ditches, rivers, canals and streams to intercept and reduce run off. Reducing diffuse pollution of watercourses helps bolster aquatic and wetland food chains.

New field margins in place at Elford Park Farm

A partially wooded buffer strip in place along the Darnford Brook. 15

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

3.2.12 Re-survey of the Tamworth Borough Council Sites of Biological Importance (SBIs)

This survey was carried out by SWT’s Wildlife Sites team in July 2006. All existing SBIs were surveyed bar one, Dosthill Quarry, where permission was initially denied by the landowner. When permission was finally secured, it was too late in the survey season to be undertaken. If possible, this site should be surveyed in the summer 2007. A summary of the sites and their notifications is provided below:

County Wildlife Sites in Tamworth Borough (2007)

Site Name Grid Reference Site Type Hectares Warwickshire Moor SK 218048 SBI 23.7 Broad Meadow SK 196040 SBI 24.9 The Decoy SK 243057 SBI 11.4 Bole Bridge (south of) SK 210035 SBI 3.5 Tameside Nature Reserve SK 208025 SBI 19.7 Beauchamp Industrial Park SK 218017 SBI 3.2 Hockley (west of) SK 224001 SBI 5.3 Amington Hall Fishponds SK 233054 SBI 1.6 Dosthill Quarries SP 210997 SBI 23.6 River Anker (part of) SK 220054 BAS 8.2 Hodge Lane Nature Reserve SK 239043 BAS 1.8 Kettle Brook SK 227020 BAS 21.5

The River Tame: part of the Broad Meadow SBI

3.3 Species’ Surveys

Targeted surveys were carried out for crayfish, great crested newt, grass snake, otter, water vole, snipe and lapwing. All the other SBAP species being reported on here: brown hare, Noctule bat, the two species of Pipistrelle bat, native black poplar, barn owl, skylark, corn bunting, tree sparrow, linnet and reed bunting were recorded as incidentals during walkover surveys and site visits conducted as part of the audit. 16

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

3.3.1 White-clawed crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes

White-clawed crayfish at Dosthill Pool near Tamworth © A. Kirkland

Overview The white-clawed crayfish is Britain’s only native species of crayfish. It is a globally threatened species and the British Isles is a recognised international stronghold.

Nationally, many populations of white-clawed crayfish have suffered catastrophic declines and extinctions over the past forty years. Much of this decline has been attributed to the introduction and spread of non- native American signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus and the crayfish plague Aphanomyces astaci that it carries. Additional threats include modifications of watercourses (including engineering, dredging and culverting), pollution (especially synthetic pyrethroids used for sheep dipping) and increased urbanisation.

Although this species remains widely distributed in England and Wales only a tiny proportion of the pre- 1970s population survives. Plague outbreaks and/or non-native species have been recorded or suspected in the majority of river catchments. Staffordshire mirrors the national trend.

American signal crayfish at Catton Fishery 17

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

This species inhabits small streams, rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs and quarry pools. It usually prefers clear, well-oxygenated water and can be abundant at sites that meet its requirements. Individual stillwater populations are estimated in the tens of thousands (Ensor’s Pool SAC in Nuneaton). It tends to be nocturnal and is omnivorous, feeding on a wide range of vegetable and animal matter as well as detritus. It is eaten by a number of different predators including fish (trout, chub, perch, pike, eel), birds, otters, mink and rats.

Breeding usually occurs in the autumn and is triggered by falling water temperatures (thus altitude and latitude are important factors). The female produces her eggs (approximately 50-100), which become attached in a cluster to the underside of her abdomen. During this time she is known to be “berried”. She over-winters with her brood and in the late spring to early summer the eggs hatch into relatively immobile miniature crayfish without a tailfan, which cling to her abdomen. They then moult to form a second stage with a rounded, hairy tailfan. This stage becomes more and more active, and they eventually leave the mother in early summer to become independent. At the next moult they develop a typical crayfish form with an outspread tailfan. Juveniles may undergo several moults during their first year, but by the time they are fully mature, at about three to four years, they may moult only once a year. Average lifespan is estimated to be between seven and twelve years (Holdich & Rogers, 1999). Adults can reach approximately twelve centimetres from the tip of the rostrum (snout) to the end of the telson (tail).

Due to the long breeding season, surveys for crayfish are necessarily squeezed into a tight ‘window of opportunity’. Hand searching, kick sampling and trapping should be restricted to early July to the end of September. All torching surveys should be completed by the end of October (Bradley, pers. comm.)

Habitat Assessment The project area has a good number of potentially suitable habitats for this species. Large rivers, small streams, flooded gravel pits and canals are all good candidates. Unfortunately poor water quality affected the Tame and Trent during the Industrial Revolution with improvements really only taking place once tougher legislation was introduced in the 1960s. The majority of watercourses in the area were subjected to land drainage works during the mid and late twentieth century which engineered channels into deep and straight lengths. The removal of physical features such as backwaters, riparian trees, in-channel woody debris, riffle and pool sequences and riverine sediments has left many watercourses unsuitable for crayfish.

Encouragingly, it seems that the days of over-zealous river management are over. The Environment Agency and some drainage boards are now reducing their maintenance programmes for rural watercourses. Many of the smaller streams are showing signs of natural recovery (e.g. the Fisherwick and Darnford Brooks) and increasing geomorphology.

The Darnford Brook. © S.Peay

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

All records for white-clawed crayfish. 2006/7 survey records are shown in red.

Key Sites The white-clawed crayfish can be considered to be a very rare and threatened species in the study area. Up until the mid-1990s Environment Agency records included evidence of native crayfish on the main River Trent from the Alrewas to the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA), the Lower Mease Special Area of Conservation (SAC) near Harlaston, the Anker-Tame river confluence near Tameside Nature Reserve.

The surveys carried out in 2006 confirmed the Darnford Brook (previous records from 2000 and 2002, [Peay]) to be the stronghold for the study area. Additional evidence was also identified downstream on the Fisherwick Brook which passes through Elford Quarry. Dosthill Quarry pool, which now operates as a dive centre, was also identified to have a healthy population of white-clawed crayfish (with a single previous record for this site from the late 1970s). Populations of native crayfish also survive in the Langley Brook, the moat at Middleton Hall and Middleton Pool SSSI just outside the study area in North Warwickshire (Mott, 2002, 2005 and Peay, pers.comm. 2006). The only other evidence for native crayfish in 2006 was identified from remains in otter spraint on the Lower Mease at Croxall.

A large stillwater population of American signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus is well established at Catton Pool fishery at Catton Hall. This three hectare former gravel pit site is within 100 metres of the River Trent and within 300 metres of the River Mease SAC (notified, in part, for its white-clawed crayfish population). The population is estimated to be tens of thousands strong. No confirmed records have been received for signal crayfish outside of this site, but it has almost certainly colonised into the River Trent within the last ten years. This prediction is backed up by the fact that major floods link Catton Pool to the River Trent for the duration of several days at a time (e.g. floods in December 1999).

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

Recommendations Undertake a crayfish survey of Dosthill Quarry Pool in partnership with the dive club in July-September 2007. Monitor populations annually. (SWT, UK Crayfish SAP Group, Diving Club, EA).

Register Dosthill Quarry Pool as a national ‘ARK Site’ for native crayfish. 2007 (SWT, UK Crayfish BAP Group, Diving Club, EA, NE).

Undertake a full crayfish survey of the Darnford and Fisherwick Brook Catchments to identify its distribution, the quality of the habitat and any prevalent threats (abstraction, diffuse and point source pollution incidents, proposed developments). 2007 ff. (SWT, EA, GAP, NE, Landowners).

Undertake a signal crayfish survey of the Lower Mease and Trent at Catton Hall to assess the spread of this species. 2007 ff. (EA, NE).

Reduce the likelihood for spreading crayfish plague. Promote disinfection routines as appropriate. Ensure that good practice for the conservation of native crayfish is employed concerning: (i) fish movement (for commercial purposes or re-stocking after pollution incidents or major floods, (ii) anglers, (iii) divers at Dosthill Quarry, (iv) wetland surveyors, (v) wet working in quarries (e.g. Elford Quarry restoration in 2007/8).

Design an appropriate method statement for native crayfish for the revised Elford Quarry restoration plan. Incorporate a survey, monitoring programme, disinfection routines for people, kit and vehicles, a crayfish ‘rescue’ plan (if required), mitigation measures and species-specific enhancements. 2007-8 ff. (SCC, JPE, ecological consultants, SWT, EA, NE).

3.3.2 Great crested newt Triturus cristatus

Overview Britain is recognised as the European stronghold for the great crested newt. 20

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

In Britain there are three species of newt, the great crested, smooth and palmate. The great crested newt, which can grow to sixteen centimetres long, is the largest. On top it has dark, often black warty, skin speckled with tiny white spots. Its belly is usually orange or yellow with blotches, a warning to would-be predators that they are poisonous to eat. In springtime, male great crested newts develop a high, wavy crest along their backs, and another along their tails. Newts spend much of their year on land, however, towards the end of winter adult newts return to water to breed. Newt eggs are laid on underwater leaves near the water margin. After four weeks the eggs hatch as tadpoles which then take a further three months to develop into a young newt capable of leaving the water. At this time the young newts will leave the water to spend between one and three years in surrounding terrestrial habitat while they become sexually mature. Great crested newts require extensive areas of terrestrial habitat as well as standing water in order to survive; for example, a viable population of around two hundred and fifty newts requires a suitable breeding pond and about one hectare of good terrestrial habitat. Moreover, adult newts can travel some distance away from their breeding pond in search of suitable habitat and immature adults may disperse up to five hundred metres away from the pond. Main threats include the loss of suitable ponds due to drainage, habitat destruction, agricultural improvement and pollution. They are also threatened by the loss of terrestrial habitats through degradation, fragmentation and development and the introduction of fish to ponds.

Habitat Assessment The surveys identified very few suitable breeding and dispersal sites in the study area. The Tame and Trent river valleys have been subjected to long-term and wide-ranging mineral extraction. The other dominant land use is intensive arable farmland. The study identified that many historical farm ponds have been drained, removed, polluted or have succeeded from open water to scrub. Thus the habitat resource for this species is currently very limited and should be a priority for wetland biodiversity work. Great crested newts and other amphibian species also require terrestrial habitats. Boundary features such as hedgerows, field margins, buffer strips and walls are all important as are areas of scrub, woodland, “scruffy” grassland and micro-habitats provided by log piles, leaf litter, fallen trees and branches, exposed root plates, bolder piles, rabbit and badger burrows and any materials that provide cavities. At Comberford, a female great crested newt (GCN) was found at an old mill site using piles of old stonework for shelter.

Generally, GCNs need ponds within 500 metres of one another and to have good quality terrestrial habitat links between them. It is probable that the GCN population with the study area is fragmented and isolated due to large-scale quarrying and intensive farming.

Key Sites The main breeding site identified within the study area was at Hopwas Hays woods. This site is threatened as a breeding site for GCN due to the drying up of the ponds (see recommendations). GCNs were also recorded at Comberford in 2006, but no evidence of breeding was identified at the two large ponds on the Manor Farm landholding.

GCN site at Comberford. 21

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

Recommendations More detailed survey work for GCNs is required within the study area. Tamworth, Hopwas and Burton should be prioritised to provide a baseline of the number of breeding ponds and the overall quality of the pond and terrestrial habitats. (EA, NFC, SWT, NE, LAs).

Quarry restorations offer the best opportunities to redress the current lack of amphibian ponds in the study area. The survey identified some good work by Hanson Aggregates at Barton, Elford (North) and Dosthill quarries where several ponds, sinuous ditches, oxbows and backwaters have been incorporated into the restoration plans. SWT has also promoted the creation of network of ephemeral ponds through the Revision of the Mineral Plan (ROMP) for Elford (South) Quarry via JPE. It is recommended that ponds of a wide variety of shapes, sizes and depths are created throughout the quarry network. Most importantly, they should be designed to be poor long-term habitats for fish and created so that they dry out every 1-5 years. Creating radial and linear clusters of ponds is also increadibly for GCNs and a host of other amphibian and invertebrate species. (Mineral Companies, SCC, EA, NFC, SWT).

Agri-environment schemes and National Forest tender schemes also provide good frameworks for the creation of new ponds. Generally, it is not recommended that former ponds are “restored”, but that completely new ones are dug instead. SWT and EA can provide technical advice concerning the location of new ponds. (NE, NFC, EA, SWT, LAs).

Former amphibian pools at Hopwas Hays now dry out completely by May.

Wetlands at Hopwas Hays Wood (Site of Biological Importance - SK 177054). SWT has recorded GCNs at this site in 2004 and 2006. It is also an important county stronghold for the Staffordshire Biodiversity Action Plan Species, Grass Snake. There are great concerns about changes to the GCN / amphibian and grass snake breeding habitat at this site. Although GCN breeding was confirmed during the 2004 survey, all individuals were found to be emaciated, and all pools and ponds had dried out completely by May. No evidence of breeding was identified when the site was re-surveyed in 2006. It would appear that groundwater supplies have been seriously disrupted by sand and gravel quarrying in the area. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the site was an important amphibian-breeding site. Recommendations: SWT suggests that the EA’s Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy (CAMS) investigates this issue and checks former, current and future applications for mineral extraction in the area as well as any abstraction licences that my also be contributing to the problem. (EA [Tame, Anker, Blythe CAMS process], Tarmac, MOD, SWT, LDC, SCC).

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

All records for great crested newt. 2006/7 survey records are shown in red.

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

3.3.3 Grass snake Natrix natrix

Overview The grass snake is the largest British snake. It has a variable colour pattern but most specimens tend to have a distinct yellow/orange collar just behind the head. The grass snake is found in a variety of habitats, including grassland and woodland, but is most numerous in wetlands, where it feeds on amphibians and fish. As well as an adequate food supply, its habitat requirements include basking sites, piles of rotting vegetation as egg-laying sites and underground hibernation sites. It is a wide-ranging species which does best in large areas of suitable habitat.

It is active by day and is a proficient swimmer, often hunting under water. The grass snake's diet consists mainly of frogs, toads and newts although it will also hunt mice, voles and small birds. Young snakes also feed on tadpoles and invertebrates such as worms and insect larvae. Grass snakes hibernate throughout the winter in garden compost heaps, under logs and amongst moss. During spring mating takes place and the female lays up to forty eggs in late summer. The young have a voracious appetite and undergo fast development in preparation for hibernation. The grass snake is a harmless reptile with secretive habits. This, and the fact that it has almost certainly declined, mainly due to habitat loss in the county, means that it is now rarely encountered.

Habitat Assessment The study area provides sections of potentially suitable habitat for this species. However, one major limiting factor may be the availability of favoured prey. Grass snakes are specialist frog predators. As reported on in the GCN profile, amphibian breeding ponds are a poorly represented resource within the study area. Canal corridors that are in close proximity to the other watercourses (e.g. the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal and the River Tame at Hopwas) seem to provide some of the most favourable habitat for this species within the project area.

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

Hopwas Hays also has habitats on southeast facing slopes with a mixture of acidic grassland, bracken and scrub, which taken together provides shelter and good basking opportunities.

All records for grass snake. 2006/7 survey records are shown in red.

Key Sites The study identified that the stronghold for this species is the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal corridor between Hopwas Hays and the Warwickshire border at Middleton Hall Quarry. Kingsbury Water Park is also known to be a key site for this species.

The central and northern parts of the study area did not yield evidence of this species despite some suitable habitat along the Trent & Mersey Canal corridor between Wychnor and Branston. Flooded gravel pits such as Branston Water Park could also prove to be good sites for this species.

Recommendations A public survey for grass snakes in the project area would be useful. (BW, LAs, SWT, EA).

Monitoring of key sites. Results to be used to promote suitable habitat management. (SWT, BW, EA).

Create new amphibian ponds through restoration of mineral sites and through agri-environment schemes (see GCN recommendations). (Mineral Companies, EA, LAs, NE, SWT, NFC). 25

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

3.3.4 Otter Lutra lutra

Overview Otters are members of the weasel family, the Mustelidae, which includes badgers, polecats, stoats and mink. There are a number of species of otter, but only one in Britain, the Eurasian otter. In lowland England, the otter is essentially a secretive and nocturnal animal and is rarely seen. They are semi-aquatic animals holding territory along a stretch of river, with dog otters capable of travelling over forty kilometres in a twenty-four hour period. Fish form the bulk of their diet with small mammals, birds, frogs and crayfish as important secondary and, often seasonal, prey items.

Habitat Assessment Otters are known to frequent all types of watercourses, waterbodies and their associated wetlands. As a predator at the top of the freshwater food chain, many of its requirements are tied into those of their prey species (e.g. fish, frogs, rabbits, crayfish). Thus, in terms of physical habitat features, otters often frequent habitats with some, or many, of the following features: A well-wooded stream, river or canal corridor. The presence of mature bankside trees with large root plates and cavities (especially oak, ash and sycamore), or hollow trees (often willows). River or lake islands with scrub, woodland or dense vegetation. A watercourse with good physical structure e.g. riffles, pools, exposed sediment bars, backwaters, naturally eroding earth cliffs, woody debris dams. A watercourse with associated wetland features such as reedbeds, marshy grassland, fens, wet woodland, valley mires, swamp, ponds, stillwater fishery pools, ditches, meres, flooded gravel pits, lakes. Adjacent areas of undisturbed woodland (usually within one kilometre of a conventional watercourse or ditch networks). Areas of dense scrub (especially bramble, blackthorn, hawthorn) Areas with dense summer vegetation (e.g. tall herbs). Areas with good access to existing underground cavities (especially rabbit burrows, vacated badger ‘outlier’ setts, disused quarries, redundant storm drains, boulder piles, small caves). 26

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

All records for otter. 2006/7 survey records are shown in red.

Key Sites Otters are now considered to be fully resident throughout the main river corridors within the project area. Territories also take in many of the smaller tributaries which may be important for secure resting sites and seasonal prey items (e.g. frogs in spring, freshwater crayfish in the summer and autumn).

SWT, EA, NFC and others have installed over 25 artificial otter holts within the study area during the period 1995-2005. Monitoring has been undertaken by SWT and has identified a very high occupancy of these sites by otters. The underground pipe and chamber design was found to be the most effective and enduring for otters in this area. This indicates that much of the main river corridor habitat remains impoverished and artificial holts are providing some of the best opportunities for secure resting sites. One holt, installed in 1998 by SWT on the River Tame near Hopwas, was used by otters within two weeks of construction. Monitoring has indicated that this holt has been in almost continual use until the most recent check in March 2007 and that, if it was not an actual breeding site, it was host to a family group of otters from December 2004 to approximately April 2005.

Evidence of breeding has also been identified at Middleton Hall Quarry in 1999 and on the Lower Dove at Egginton in 2002. Drakelow Nature Reserve is also a suspected breeding site during the period 1999-2002.

The results of ongoing monitoring highlight the following as key sites for otters (1) Dosthill and Middleton Hall Quarries (including the Langley and Gallows Brooks and the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal), (2) The 27

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

Black-Bourne Brook at Fazeley, (3) Broad Meadow in Tamworth, (4) Hopwas Hays Woods (including the river island), (5) Comberford, (6) Elford Quarries (North & South) and Fisherwick Woods (including the river island), (7) Wetleyhay and Brookhay Woods, (8) Brown’s Island, (9) The National Memorial Arboretum (NMA), Croxall Lakes Nature Reserve and the Lower Mease SAC, (10) Wychnor Bridges and Willowbrook Farm (including the river island), (11) Catton Hall Estate (including Cherry Holme), (12) Barton Quarry, (13) Branston Water Park, (14) the Trent & Mersey Canal from Alrewas to Branston, (15) Drakelow Nature Reserve (including Swan’s Island), (16) Burton Mill, (17) Clay Mills sewage treatment works, (18) the Lower Dove from Egginton to Newton Solney.

Recommendations Ongoing monitoring of resting sites (SWT, EA)

Promote river braiding works through mineral site ROMP process (SCC, EA, LAs, Mineral Companies, EA).

Incorporate key otter habitat features into gravel pit restoration schemes e.g. lake islands, reedbed, reedswamp, open water, ponds, wildlife ditches, ox-bows, backwaters, etc. (EA, LAs, Mineral Companies, EA).

Trial creation of river islands using living willow anchored to riverbed with anchor systems (SWT, EA, NMA).

Identify, monitor and mitigate for otter and road/rail ‘black spots’ for otters. Culverts at Drakelow, the A38 at Branston Water Park and the rail line at Branston are priority sites for action.

Dog otter killed on the road at Drakelow on 15/12/1999.

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

3.3.5 Water Vole Arvicola terrestris

Overview There are two species of water vole in Europe, only one of which occurs in Britain. Favoured habitats include well-vegetated banks of ditches, streams, rivers, canals, dykes and ponds. They are herbivores, primarily feeding on the lush waterside vegetation including grasses, sedges, rushes and reeds which they also use as cover against their many predators. Water voles build nests in bankside vegetation as well as digging tunnels along watercourses and in other suitable areas.

Water voles live in colonies and are territorial. During a breeding season which lasts from March to October, a female may produce two to five litters each of between five and eight young. As food supplies diminish during wintertime, they are less active, spending the majority of time underground.

Threats include (i) the destruction and increased disturbance of riparian habitat, (ii) the isolation and fragmentation of individual populations, flash flooding (especially during the Spring and Summer breeding season) caused by unsustainable drainage systems, (iii) abstraction for (e.g.) irrigating crops, (iv) the main possible cause of the decline in water vole numbers is almost certainly linked to the introduction, escape and spread of American mink Mustela vison into Britain, and (v) steel piling and the hard engineering of canals.

Habitat Assessment Strachan and Jefferies (1993) have described the criteria considered to provide the optimum water vole habitat requirements based on the findings of the first national survey carried out in 1989-1990. These include: > 60% marginal and emergent vegetation for both food and effective cover from predators. An earth shore type suitable for burrowing. A steep bank angle of >35 degrees. This enables water voles to excavate their burrow systems at varying heights within the bank profile. This affords some protection against fluctuations in water levels. <20% bankside tree cover. Shaded riparian habitats tend to restrict the marginal and emergent plant communities that water voles rely on. Additionally, bankside root systems can reduce burrowing opportunities. Watercourses less than one metre wide and one metre deep. Watercourses with static, slow or sluggish water flow rates. Adjacent land use. Water voles often show a positive association with watercourses adjacent to fens, rough grassland, amenity grassland and suburban/urban areas. 29

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

The main Trent, Tame and Dove river channels are generally unfavourable for water vole occupancy, but are potentially important corridors for dispersal (especially during late summer when in-channel and marginal vegetation is densest). The Lower Mease provides good quality habitat at From Croxall Hall to the confluence with the Trent.

Perhaps the best quality habitats are ‘non-linear’ sites with systems of lagoons, pools, ditches, open water with peninsulas, islands and extensive shorelines, reebeds, reedswamp and marshy grassland. Drakelow Nature Reserve is the best example, but many of the quarry sites could be restored to provide extremely good quality habitat for this species in the future.

All records for water vole. 2006/7 survey records are shown in red.

Key Sites The only positive site for water voles recorded during the study were at Tameside Nature Reserve in Tamworth. Two adults were spotted in the ditch network adjacent to the main lake in December 2006. Fresh field signs were identified in February and March 2007 at the same location. Further monitoring will be carried out to see if a colony has established itself.

Between 1996 and 2005, breeding evidence of water voles was recorded on the Kettle Brook and Broad Meadow SBI in Tamworth and the Trent & Mersey Canal at Stretton Cement Works (former SBI). Further evidence of water vole activity or confirmed sightings were also recorded at a number of sites including 30

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

Comberford, Fisherwick, the Coventry Canal between Brookhay and Fradley, Croxall Lakes Nature Reserve (on the River Mease), the NMA (on the river island), Walton-on-Trent (backwater at the Barton Brook and River Trent confluence), Drakelow Nature Reserve (lagoons and reedbed areas) and the Trent Washlands in Burton.

All previously positive water voles sites were re-surveyed during the 2006-7 study. No positive evidence was identified. Thus, there are no known breeding colonies known within the study area.

The nearest known breeding populations are: (1) The Upper Hooborough Brook (part of the Mease Catchment). Albert Village near Swadlincote on the Derbyshire-Leicestershire border, (2) The Upper Anker at Wolvey near Nuneaton in Warwickshire, (3) The Upper Tame Catchment in Birmingham & the Black Country which retains a number of breeding populations and is considered to be the main ‘resource’ for promoting water vole re-colonisation of the study area.

Recommendations Influence mineral restoration plans to create suitable habitat and links for this species. (Mineral Companies, EA, NE, SWT, LAs).

Undertake monitoring of water vole activity in Tamworth. Carry out surveys reactively to reported sightings. (SWT, EA).

Monitor known breeding sites on the Hooborough Brook, on the Upper Anker at Wolvey, and the Birmingham & Black Country populations in the headwaters of the Tame to assess. Tackle any prevalent site-based threats such as predation by American mink (Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Warwickshire, Birmingham & the Black Country and Staffs Wildlife Trusts, BW, NFC, EA, LAs).

3.3.6 Brown Hare Lepus europaeus

Overview The brown hare is a member of the order of Lagomorphs, of which there are four found in Europe. The brown hare is the largest of this group and is easily distinguished by the black tips to its long ears. The favoured habitat is farmland, arable landscapes in the east and pastoral areas in the west, open woodland is also frequently used in association with grassland. They are predominantly nocturnal herbivores eating grasses, herbs and young arable crops and will browse shrubs in winter. Short open vegetation is preferred. Although once thought to be solitary they actually live in tight-knit groups, feeding loosely together at night 31

A Biodiversity Audit of the Tame & Trent River Valleys in Staffordshire (including the Central Rivers Initiative and Tame Valley Wetlands Project areas) 2006-7 and dispersing during the day to rest up in cover. Brown hares are seen mainly when the vegetation is short (winter) and during courtship boxing (spring).

Habitat Assessment The central and southern areas of study area have a seemingly healthy population of brown hares. This area is dominated by arable farms and active quarries. Many of the sightings of hares made during the 2006-7 audit were within these active quarries. Further sightings were chiefly from large open arable fields. Additional sightings were secured when hares were flushed from woodland edge or from field margins. Hares were also found to favour grassland which had been recently tree-planted (NMA and Potter’s Meadow at Wychnor).

All records for brown hare. 2006/7 survey records are shown in red.

Key Sites Wychnor Meadows (including Potter’s Meadow), the NMA (a key breeding site), the Catton Hall Estate, Barton Quarry, Whitemore Haye, Elford and Drayton Bassett.

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

Brown hares were spotted in good numbers at most active quarries. View of Barton Quarry from the south.

Recommendations Continue to collect records. (SER, FWAG, NE, NFC, SWT, NFU, CLA).

Promote buffer strips and six metre field margins through agri-environment schemes. (NE, FWAG).

3.3.7 Noctule Bat Nyctalus noctule

Overview One of our largest British bats, the noctule is widespread in England, Wales and in southwest Scotland but absent in Ireland. It is usually the first species of bat to emerge in the evening, flying above tree top height with steep dives in pursuit of its prey that comprises mainly of flies, moths, beetles, but it is nowhere common. Mixed sex colonies may be found in April, chiefly in tree holes but occasionally buildings and bat boxes. These colonies often disperse in late spring with females forming maternity colonies in trees.

Habitat Assessment These bats are tree dwellers, often in woodpecker holes and rat holes. In winter they can be found in rock fissures and hollows, bat boxes and old buildings.

Potential noctule roost site near Fisherwick Woods 33

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

Feeding habitats include deciduous woodland, parkland, pasture, wetlands, wooded canal corridors and woodland edges where they feed on moths, beetles, mayflies and winged ants.

All records for Noctule bat. No records for 2006/7.

Key Sites This species is not well known in Staffordshire but it likely to be found in areas of wood pasture and parkland, particularly with veteran trees such as the Fisherwick Estate, Dosthill Park near Tamworth and the Catton Hall Estate.

Recommendations Targeted surveys to identify key (roost) sites. Monitor populations. Ongoing recording. (SE Staffs Bat Group, Staffordshire Bat Group, Staffordshire Mammal Group, SBAP, SER, SWT, NFC).

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

3.3.8 Pipistrelle Bats Pipistrellus pipistrellus and P. pygmaeus

Common Pipistrelle

Overview Pipistrelle bat species are found in all types of countryside except in highly exposed regions. They roost mainly in buildings, but tree-holes and bat boxes are also used. Large nursery colonies of up to one thousand bats (up to three hundred more than usual) are formed, particularly in buildings. In Britain, most hibernation sites are in buildings and tree-holes, and in small groups. The bats emerge to feed about twenty minutes after sunset and often hunt at mid-tree canopy height, over or near water with an erratic flight path. Food consists mostly of small insects taken in flight.

Habitat Assessment Mature hedgerows, woodland edge, over water and wetlands and suburban gardens, where it hunts insects (and may consume up to 3000 in one night!).

Pasture and woodland edge at Fisherwick. Good foraging habitat for bats.

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

All records for Pipistrelle bats. 2006/7 records are shown in red.

Key Sites Tamworth, Fazeley, Elford, Fisherwick, Wychnor, Barton-under-Needwood, Burton.

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

3.3.9 Native Black Poplar Populus nigra var. betulifolia

Overview The native black poplar is a rare tree of lowland river valleys. It is estimated that there are approximately 6000- 7000 trees surviving in the UK with strongholds in the Vale of Aylesbury, parts of East Anglia, parts of the West Midlands, Gloucestershire and the Welsh Marches. It can become a tall and imposing tree which is distinguishable from the more numerous later plantings of hybrid black poplars by the dense ‘twigginess’ of its finer branches and, at close range, the fine hairs on the young twigs. The main trunk is usually festooned with ‘knobs’ and ‘burrs’.

Nearly all the native black poplars in the UK are male (with only some 400 females known in the whole country) and it is almost certain that the majority of these male trees are the results of human vegetative propagation.

Habitat Assessment The native black poplar is dependent upon extensive areas of bare mud and silt to reproduce successfully – conditions that are virtually non-existent on most British rivers these days. Additionally, both male and female trees need to grow in close proximity (it is wind pollinated) to produce viable seed. Most trees now originate from rooted cuttings.

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

Potentially suitable habitat has been restored at Middleton Hall Quarry through the braiding of the River Tame. Parts of the Lower Dove between Egginton and Newton Solney could also offer potentially suitable habitat for natural reproduction in the future.

All records for native black poplar. The 2006/7 record is shown in red.

Key Sites The female native black poplar (possibly the only female tree in Staffordshire) at SK 208192 on the west bank of the Trent & Mersey Canal at the entrance to Newbold Quarry was the only mature example of this species to be recorded during the audit. The black poplar health check survey carried out recently states that the tree is generally in vigorous good condition with a little damage to lower limbs from passing aggregate lorries. The main threat to the tree is from passing lorries or future road improvements (K. Edwards, pers comm.).

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

Female Native Black Poplar tree at Newbold Quarry

The National Forest Company has planted small numbers of native black poplars through its tender scheme at several floodplain sites. These sites include Croxall (East), Wychnor (Potter’s Meadow), Wychnor Bridges, Newbold Quarry, Upper Mills Farm (Burton Mail Woodland) and Burton Mill (Bass Woodland).

Recommendations A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is needed for the mature female native black poplar at Newbold Quarry. (ESBC, SCC, EA, Aggregate Industries, NFC).

Cuttings should be taken from this tree for local propagation projects. (NFC, EA, Aggregate Industries).

Further specialist advice should be secured to identify floodplain and river rehabilitation projects which could provide suitable conditions for black poplar reproduction. River braiding, river re-profiling of the inside of large -previously engineered- meanders and the creation of mud flats at former silt lagoons at Newbold and Tucklesholme Quarries could feasibly provide the necessary conditions in the future. River braiding work carried out in the late-1990s at Middleton Hall Quarry has restored potentially suitable habitats (bare mud and sand, exposed riverine sediments and deposited silt) for black poplar reproduction. Similar works planned at Tucklesholme and Barton Quarries and at Drakelow Nature Reserve could be ‘within range’ of fertilised black poplar seed. (EA, NFC, Mineral Companies, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust (DWT), SWT, SCC, SBAP).

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

3.3.10 Snipe Gallinago gallinago

Overview An elegant wading bird with a characteristic zig-zag flight and distinctive call. The snipe is a species of rough pasture, flood plain grassland and moorland. It can be found as a migrant, winter visitor and a breeding species throughout Britain. In the lowlands of Staffordshire it is mainly restricted to lowland wet grassland along the main river valleys. In these areas breeding pairs establish nesting sites within the grass tussocks and rank vegetation. Females generally lay four eggs between April and July and the juveniles feed on worms and insects. During the winter large numbers of snipe, many originating from continental Europe, are attracted to wet fields and other wetland habitats throughout the county. Main threats include the lowering of water tables and the reduction in base flow of rivers due to over abstraction. Past land drainage and flood defence schemes to deepen and straighten watercourses which has resulted in less frequent inundation of lowland wet grassland.

Habitat Assessment Rough pasture and floodplain grassland with a high water table. Fen habitats and tussocky swards of sedge and rush with areas of shallow surface water.

Main threats involve the lowering of water tables and reduction in base flow of rivers due to over-abstraction of water. Insensitive flood alleviation schemes resulting in less frequent inundation of lowland wet grassland have also had a major impact on this species.

The audit identified a number of sites with wintering snipe. No evidence of breeding (‘drummers’) was recorded however.

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

All records for snipe. 2006/7 records are shown in red.

Key Sites The current lowland Staffordshire breeding population is unlikely to exceed forty pairs (West Midlands Bird Club, 1998). This population is mainly restricted to nature reserves or statutory designated sites.

Key sites for wintering snipe include Dosthill Quarry, Egg Meadow SBI in Tamworth, Elford Quarry (North), Croxall Lakes Nature Reserve, Drakelow Nature Reserve, Clay Mills and the silt lagoons at Alrewas, Barton and Newbold Quarries.

Recommendations Undertake more active surveys and monitoring. Record all sightings. (WMBC, SER, FWAG, NE).

Influence mineral restoration plans and agri-environment schemes to re-create areas of floodplain grazing marsh.

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

3.3.11 Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

Overview Also known as the green plover or peewit, the lapwing has an iridescent plumage and a long wispy crest on its head making it easily recognisable. It breeds in open, flat country including farmland and grazing marshes. In Staffordshire, the lapwing is associated with lowland wet grassland and marshland and it is common for a number of pairs to breed within the same field or area of marsh. The lapwing is most active in the spring during the breeding season. Their aerial displays are exciting and noisy and they have a very distinctive call as they rise and tumble over their territories.

Habitat Assessment The lapwing requires a short grassland sward with low livestock densities for nesting purposes. Grazing regimes are crucial. Too much grazing will result in nest sites being trampled; too little could result in vegetation being too tall. Threats also include agricultural drainage and intensive sward management and the earlier introduction of livestock onto pasture. The isolation and fragmentation of suitable habitat sites, leave populations vulnerable to chance events such as drought or summer floods. Tree planting schemes in floodplains where lapwing have traditionally bred is also a major potential threat.

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

All records for lapwing. 2006/7 records are shown in red.

Key Sites A lapwing survey for the CRI area was undertaken by Leicester University MSc student, Alex Jones, in 2002-3.

The audit identified a handful of scattered breeding sites mostly centred on the more open active quarry sites. The silt lagoons at Middleton Hall, Newbold, Barton and Alrewas were perhaps the best sites. Arable fields adjacent to Whitemore Haye and Clay Mills sewage treatment works were also important breeding sites. No information about chick survival rates were recorded as part of the audit however.

Recommendations The report from the 2002-3 lapwing survey should be analysed. A repeat survey would be useful to measure any changes to the breeding successes of lapwing within the CRI area. (EA, SWT, LAs, WMBC).

Undertake more active, detailed and co-ordinated survey and monitoring work for this species. (WMBC, SBAP).

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

Create or restore areas of suitable grassland habitat for this species through gravel pit restoration schemes and through targeted agri-environment schemes. (Mineral companies, NE, NFC, LAs, SWT).

Review NFC proposed planting schemes to ensure that they do not impact detrimentally on lapwing breeding sites. (NFC, FC, NE, FWAG, WMBC).

3.3.12 Skylark Alauda arvensis

Overview This British resident is widespread throughout the country although it has declined considerably in recent years mainly due to changes in agricultural practices. The skylark is a bird of open habitats and can be found on pastureland, arable fields and rank grassland. Two or three broods are reared from April to July and nests are located in hollows amongst the grassland sward. The young are fed exclusively on insects but fledglings will also feed on seeds and berries. As summer wanes, the birds often collect in large flocks and feed in stubble fields. The adult skylark has a distinctive song and high, perpendicular flight. It can often be seen hovering high in the sky.

Habitat Assessment Acidic or neutral grassland are the main habitats for this species. Active gravel pits and arable fields with good margins are also important secondary habitats.

The destruction of lowland farmland, through intensive management of arable fields threatens the habitat of this species. Other factors include a decrease in crop diversity, the loss of ephemeral weeds through agrochemicals, and the cutting of grass for silage which reveals nests to predators. Insecticide use also reduces the insect prey on which the skylarks feed.

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

All records for skylark. 2006/7 records are shown in red.

Key Sites The study area has a seemingly good population of skylark throughout much of the geographical area. Particular strongholds include Middleton Hall Quarry, Elford Quarries, Essington Meadows at Alrewas, Croxall Lakes Nature Reserve, the NMA, Newbold Quarry, Branston and Clay Mills.

Recommendations Undertake more active and co-ordinated monitoring work for this species. (WMBC, SBAP, SER).

Promote skylark and other ground-nesting bird arable field plots at appropriate locations within the Higher Level Scheme and monitor individual successes. (NE, FWAG, WMBC).

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

3.3.13 Barn Owl Tyto alba

Overview Barn owls require large areas of open rough grassland to hunt for small mammal prey, and quiet farm buildings or tree cavities to nest and roost in.

The barn owl has an almost global distribution and has lived in close proximity to humans since settlements and farming created suitable nesting places. Farming practices have enabled the birds to hunt the increasing number of rodents drawn to stored harvest crops. The erection of barns and other farm buildings provided additional nesting sites. This bird used to be a regular sight seen flying over the British countryside, but sadly over the last 60 years barn owl populations have declined dramatically. This is primarily due to losses of both foraging and nesting habitat. It is also at the northern extent of its European range in the UK. Long spells of wet weather can have a significant impact on this species in terms of hunting and breeding successes. Many starve as a result.

Habitat Assessment A species of open rough grassland habitats, farmland, damp tussocky grassland (either fallow or lightly grazed is ideal) and in lowland river valleys. They also hunt over ditch networks, hedge banks, young tree plantations, roadside verges and railway embankments (the latter two causing fatalities). The project area has a number of sites which provide potentially suitable habitat for this species (i.e. grassland and scrub interfaces with good populations of small mammals).

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

All records for barn owl. 2006/7 records are shown in red.

Key Sites (Kingsbury Water Park), Dosthill Quarry, Warwickshire Moor SBI near Tamworth, Whitemore Haye, Wychnor, Essington Meadows, Wychnor Bridges, Croxall, the Catton Hall estate and Barton Quarry.

Drakelow Nature Reserve is considered to be an important site for this species, but no information was secured for the audit.

The Environment Agency has funded the installation of barn owl boxes at appropriate locations within the Tame, Trent and Dove river valleys via the Owl and Hawk Trust (c. 1999) and the Staffordshire Barn Owl Action Group [BOAG](in 2006). Distribution data indicates that barn owl activity is currently low in the Tamworth to Elford and the Branston to Newton Solney parts of the Tame-Trent river valleys.

Recommendations Re-create large areas of wetland habitats through gravel pit restoration schemes. (Mineral companies, SCC, EA, BOAG, SBAP).

Promote Environmental Stewardship option to key areas of arable farmland to secure field margins and buffers along watercourses. (NE, FWAG, BOAG).

Continue with active monitoring, recording and landowner liaison. (BOAG, EA, SBAP, SER). 47

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

3.3.14 Grey Partridge Perdix perdix

Overview The grey partridge is a medium-sized game bird found throughout Europe. The partridge is recognisable due to the dove-grey colouring on its nape and breast. It is a species of rather open country and can be found in good numbers on arable farms but can also be found in grasslands and moorland fringes. The grey partridge also favours bare areas of dry soil for dust- bathing and hedges or other shrubs for cover. It feeds on plant material and insects, the latter of which is very important for the young chicks' development. In recent years, changing farming practices have caused the decline of this species in many areas.

Habitat Assessment The study area has a number of potentially suitable sites for this species, but its exact requirements are not fully understood. Many of the grey partridge records are from arable land in close proximity to active quarries.

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

All records for grey partridge. 2006/7 records are shown in red.

Key Sites Whitemoor Haye is a county stronghold for this species. Other important sites are at Drayton Bassett, Newbold Quarry and Clay Mills.

Recommendations Undertake more active and co-ordinated survey, monitoring and recording work for this species. (WMBC, SBAP, FWAG, SER).

Target HLS at appropriate sites and monitor. (NE, FWAG).

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

3.3.15 Farmland seed-eating birds (Corn bunting Miliaria calandra, Tree sparrow Passer montanus, Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus, Linnet Carduelis cannabina, Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella)

Overview Important habitat features for these species include spring-sown cereals (especially barley for nesting corn bunting) winter stubbles, hedgerows, hedgerow trees (tree sparrow nesting sites), grass margins, scrub (nesting sites for yellowhammer and reed bunting, feeding for most species), set aside, old pastures and hay meadows, wetlands (for reed bunting, and probably also important for tree sparrow).

Habitat Assessment The key habitats for these species are generally open mixed farmland, where both arable and grassland habitats are present.

Agi-environment schemes provides a means of financially supporting farmers to encourage wildlife. The HLS includes measures which can benefit farmland seed-eating birds if targeted appropriately. Set-aside management can also be used as a mechanism to deliver benefits for these species. The study area retains a number of important sites for these species within a county context.

Most species are probably still widespread. However, it is generally accepted that tree sparrow and corn bunting, the two species that have undergone the severest decline, may be in danger of suffering local extinctions.

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

All records for corn bunting. All records for tree sparrow. 2006/7 records are shown in red. 2006/7 records are shown in red.

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

All records for reed bunting. All records for linnet. 2006/7 records are shown in red. 2006/7 records are shown in red.

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

All records for yellowhammer. 2006/7 records are shown in red.

Key Sites Corn bunting, tree sparrow, linnet and yellowhammer are well represented at Whitemore Haye, Huddlesford, Elford, Cat Holme.

Reed bunting are associated with naturalised gravel pits and especially reedbeds. Clay Mills, Branston Water Park, Barton Quarry, Elford Quarries (North and South), Middleton Hall and Dosthill quarries are all good breeding sites for this species. In winter flocks

Recommendations Undertake more active and co-ordinated survey, monitoring and recording of these species. (WMBC, SER, SBAP, NE, FWAG).

Promote individual options that could potentially benefit some or all of these species via agri- environment schemes. (NE, FWAG, WMBC, SBAP, NFC).

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

3.3.17 Other Notable Species

It was not possible to carry out a full audit for all UK BAP, Local BAP, Natura 2000 or “generally good indicator” species and habitats within the project area. Overviews have been produced for a number of LBAP-listed habitats and species, but information was also collected for other species which have specific habitat requirements. As far as possible, issues concerning these additional indicator species have been flagged up in Section 5 (Recommendations for Key Sites).

These additional species include:

Fish: Atlantic salmon, bullhead, brook lamprey, spined loach.

Birds: Sand martin, short-eared owl, black-necked grebe, ringed plover.

Reptiles: Adder, slow worm, Viviparous lizard.

Invertebrates: Southern wood ant, and those associated with dead wood (including Lipsothrix craneflies, Tanyptera atrata [a cranefly]).

Plants: Snake’s-head fritillary, hare’s foot clover.

Mammals: Water shrew, harvest mouse.

4. Non-site specific recommendations

The River Tame has come a long way since the 1950s. It was effectively a ‘dead river’ by this time and one of the most polluted watercourses in the UK, if not Europe. The impact of the Birmingham and Black Country conurbation and its associated industry and its Victorian sewer system, established throughout the entire upper catchment of the Tame, had a catastrophic effect, not only on the main River Tame, but also on the River Trent from the confluence near Alrewas to the North Sea!

Legislation introduced in the 1960s and 70s helped alleviate the situation. But in the case of the Tame further action was required. It is one of only two rivers in Europe which has had on-line purification lakes constructed to tackle the chronic pollution problems. The lakes at Lea Marston were, until very recently, serviced by permanent dredgers which removed polluted silts to a nearby land-based receptor site. This vital service helped tackle some of the worst types of pollution including heavy metals and industrially derived toxins leaching from contaminated ground upstream. The Environment Agency continues to monitor water quality closely.

There is a need to develop an updated Vision for the project area which combines aspirations for biodiversity, sustainable flood defence, increased access and enjoyment to the river valleys, green tourism and increased farm incomes. 54

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

The CRI needs a major re-think. It was an important initiative which brought together representatives from the minerals industry and key ‘players’ from statutory and non-government organisations. Various options need to be explored to identify which would be the best way to take the Vision for the Tame and Trent river valleys forward.

Some possible milestones for biodiversity in the Tame and Trent valleys: Water voles re-colonise (by natural dispersal) by 2015 SPA designation for over 50% of the river valley area by 2020 Ospreys breeding (by natural expansion of their range) by 2025 Atlantic salmon breeding by 2030

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

5. Recommendations for Key Sites

Seventeen sites have been selected throughout the length of project area.

An initial overview of each site has been provided together with a potential set of opportunites based on liaison with the relevant managers, landowners and interested parties coupled with the results of the audit which was carried out as part of the contract. Costings have not been included at this stage. The main objective is to encourage the formation of partnerships between landowners and organisations to plan, fund, co-ordinate and undertake site projects which translate into worthwhile and meaningful ‘work on the ground’.

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