State of the Environment Wiltshire and Swindon 2013 state of the environment wiltshire and swindon 2013 state of the environment wiltshire and swindon 2013 Contents

The report was produced by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust on behalf of Link2Nature and forms the Setting the scene environmental section of the Wiltshire Joint Strategic Assessments. Link2Nature acts as the Foreword by Dame Fiona Reynolds–4 Thematic Delivery Partnership for environmental issues in the Wiltshire Family of Partnerships. Introduction by Dr Gary Mantle–5 Link2Nature is the Local Nature Partnership (LNP) for Wiltshire and Swindon, officially recognised by government as one of 48 LNPs across England. Link2Nature works strategically to The environment at a glance–6 bring together partners from a wide range of sectors to protect and restore our local environment. Ecosystems and nature's services–8 This is a new approach, based on recognising the value of the natural world in social, economic and environmental terms. More than 40 organisations, businesses and charities are working together through Link2Nature, including the following: Drivers of change Population growth and consumption–11  Action for River Kennet  Natural England Environmental awareness–12  Aspire Defence  National Trust  Bumblebee Conservation Trust  North Wessex Downs AONB Planning and development–12  Butterfly Conservation  RSPB Invasive species, pests and diseases–13  Campaign for Better Transport  RWE npower Climate change–14  Center Parcs  Salisbury GreenSpace Partnership Politics, science and technology–15  Community First  Sustrans  Cotswolds AONB  Swindon Borough Council  Cotswolds Water Park Trust  Swindon & Wiltshire Habitats and wildlife  Countryside Access Forum Local Enterprise Partnership  CPRE  Thames Water Land uses and habitat types–17  Cranborne Chase and  Wessex Chalk Forum Wildlife species–19 West Wiltshire Downs AONB  Wessex Water Landscape Biodiversity Areas–20  English Heritage  Wiltshire Assembly of Youth Wildlife sites–22  Environment Agency  Wiltshire Council  The Environment Bank  Wiltshire Public Health  Forestry Commission  Wiltshire Wildlife Trust Nature's services  GreenSquare Group  Wiltshire & Swindon  Johns Associates Biological Records Centre Regulating our environment–25  Landmarc Support Services Ltd  Woodland Trust climate | air, soil and water quality | pollination | flood risk | waste  National Farmers Union – Wiltshire Providing goods–29 food | wood | building materials | water For more information please visit www.link2nature.org.uk email [email protected] or telephone (01380) 736095 Benefiting culture and society–31 historic environment | green space | military activity | landscape

State of the Environment Wiltshire and Swindon 2013 GAps in our knowledge–35 The report has been based on evidence from a range of existing sources, most of which are publicly

( available. It has not aimed to be comprehensive and many gaps in the evidence are highlighted. Front c In some cases, data does exist but not in a format that could be accessed and interpreted within the time available. Further information is available in the Environment section of the Wiltshire For the purposes of this report, Wiltshire and Swindon Intelligence Network: www.intelligencenetwork.org.uk are used to refer to those areas within the boundaries over The report was prepared by Jenny Hawley, Environmental Intelligence Officer at Wiltshire of Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council, Wildlife Trust, with thanks to all those who contributed funding, data, analysis and comments;

) unless stated otherwise. exploring at avebury: c with special thanks to Dame Fiona Reynolds. The report and associated work was funded by Natural England, Wiltshire Council and Public Health Wiltshire.

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust works to create living landscapes across Wiltshire and Swindon and to lead and support the transition of society towards more sustainable living. We are committed to ensuring that our work is based on sound knowledge and evidence, and that we use this to inform and influence decisions by others. We own or manage 37 nature reserves (967 hectares of land) that provide havens for wild plants and animals, and places for people to experience nature. aroline robson ww We have 18,000 members and supporters, and more than 1,000 volunteers. Wiltshire Coun c il t

2 State of the environment wiltshire and swindon 2013 www.intelligencenetwork.org.uk for more information and sources 3 setting the scene setting the scene Setting the scene

foreword introduction D c A It’s too easy to put these issues in a box aroline robson ww This second report for Wiltshire and Swindon Finally, this report brings to light the limits vi

d labelled ‘the environment’ and simply hope takes us another important step forward in of our knowledge and the worrying gaps that L

evinson they go away. But that isn’t going to happen. understanding our local natural environment. exist in the data. Important decisions are being If we diminish our natural resources we The 2012 report gave a fascinating overview made about the future of our environment on diminish our capability and richness in every across a range of issues. This new report the basis of incomplete knowledge, which could sense, including that of our society and our connects those issues together, presenting lead to mistakes being made with irreversible economy. That’s why it’s so useful to think new data and new analysis. It shows how our consequences. More research is needed into in terms of ecosystems and the services they environment works as a system, or ‘ecosystem’, certain issues and a full ecosystems assessment provide to us all. t with each element dependent on the others. of our local area would help ensure that decisions This new approach is also exciting as It shows how many aspects of our lives are are based on the best possible understanding it provides us with solutions. It helps us to dependent on the services that our environment of their impact. We must also take advantage work across sectors – with business, charities, provides. From the basics such as food, water of progress elsewhere to put a quantifiable value government, local communities – to find and clean air, to the wonders of our landscapes on our environment and its services. This will ways forward that are genuinely sustainable and wildlife, we are all fundamentally help ensure that the environment is considered economically, socially and environmentally. connected to nature. on equal terms with social and economic issues It’s good to know that Link2Nature is working Yet our local environment is not something that are more easily given a financial value. to do just that. And these solutions are already that we can examine in a detached way; we are happening: as this report shows, we’re reducing all partly responsible for its current state, good Dr Gary Mantle mbe the amount of CO2 and waste produced per and bad. The drivers of change identified here person, increasing recycling and composting are almost all human-induced, whether in the Chair of Link2Nature and at a phenomenal rate, farmers are making a spread of invasive plants from our gardens into Director of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust For seven years, Swindon was at the heart That’s why this new State of the Environment difference through agri-environment schemes, our rivers, or the unsustainable consumption of my working life. In 2005, I was among report is so important. Valuing our environment the Water Framework Directive is bringing of food, energy, water and consumer goods hundreds of staff moving into the National isn’t just about enjoying landscapes and wildlife. new investment to restore our rivers, and rare that has become the norm in our modern lives. Trust’s new office in Swindon’s Brunel Railway It’s about recognising and valuing the whole habitats are protected by Wiltshire Wildlife Taking note of the evidence is not enough; we Yards. For many of us it was a culture shock, range of services that our environment provides Trust and others. This is good news, yet there must also use it to switch to more sustainable but it was great to see how quickly everyone – including the essentials of food, drinking is so much more to do. ways of living, working and travelling. adapted to our new urban habitat and we soon water and fresh air. This report gives us the information and discovered many ways to connect with nature. In order to fully appreciate our environment, a compelling platform for action. Let’s go. A view of trees out of the window, local parks we need to have facts and figures about the and paths for a lunchtime walk and bigger spaces condition of our rivers, woods and farmland, such as Lydiard Park for a team-building day. whether they’re getting worse or better and We all need to have easy access to nature, where best to focus our efforts to improve whoever and wherever we are. However busy them. We need to have up-to-date evidence and difficult things get for me, I know I at our fingertips and this report gives us just Dame Fiona Reynolds only have to go out for a walk to become that. It is an invaluable resource, highlighting re-energised and find the resilience to tackle issues we cannot ignore. Master of Emmanuel College, Cambridge the challenges that lie ahead. The drivers of change in particular grabbed University; former Director-General of the Walking really matters to me and I cover my attention. The rate of population growth National Trust (2001–2012); Non-Executive many miles a week. On three occasions I’ve in Wiltshire and Swindon is significant: the Board member of Wessex Water and chair completed the the 26 mile Sarsen Trail, implications – for housing, water, energy, food, of Wessex Water Sustainability Panel; organised each year by Wiltshire Wildlife transport and waste – potentially staggering. Senior Non-Executive Director of the Trust. This spectacular route from Avebury The data on ‘ecosystem services’ shows how BBC’s Executive Board; and Board to Stonehenge perfectly illustrates the beauty much pressure we’re already putting on our member of the Green Alliance and international importance of what’s on natural environment. How much more can our doorstep, both natural and historic. it take? It’s too easy to take it all for granted. Ja c ob sheep: rob large ww large rob sheep: ob t

4 State of the environment wiltshire and swindon 2013 www.intelligencenetwork.org.uk for more information and sources 5 setting the scene setting the scene wiltshire and swindon's environment at a glance Gaps in our knowledge: Further Wildlife suffered from the poor research and economic valuation of weather in 2012–13, exacerbating nature's services would help ensure long-term declines. Nationally, that the environment is fully taken 60% of all assessed species have into account in decision-making. Access to high-quality green declined over the last 40 years. space benefits local people’s quality of life, health and wellbeing, communities and the economy.

Semi-natural calcareous and neutral grassland and chalk rivers in the area are internationally important for wildlife. Woodland, open water and other Outstanding landscapes and habitats are also important ecosystems. Farming accounts for more than historic environment are nationally 80% of the land – around half is Military presence is significant and internationally important, helping arable and half is grazed. Almost – the Salisbury Plain landscape to shape our natural environment three-quarters of farmland is makes Wiltshire a hub for more and define our local identity. within agri-environment schemes. than 30,000 personnel (including families), and military facilities.

Products harvested from our natural environment include crops, meat, Large proportions of our food, energy milk, timber, wood fuel, wild meat and materials are imported from outside the and fish, as well as building materials. local area. Our ecological footprint is already more than double the sustainable level.

Air pollution from road and railway Invasive non-native traffic in urban areas continues to species, pests and Our climate is changing: the drought and floods be of concern in relation to public diseases affect of 2012 caused disruption and damage to our lives, health. Further analysis is needed whole ecosystems farming and economy. Carbon emissions per person of the impacts on ecosystems. and their wildlife, locally are above average – 16% in Wiltshire and 6% in including rivers, Swindon – but renewable energy capacity is increasing. woodland and farming. Underlying geology – mainly chalk, clay or limestone – has a direct influence on land use. Human population is forecast to grow by 40% in Swindon and 28% in Wiltshire within 30 years; 66,000 new homes are planned between 2006 and 2026.

Household waste collected per person is more Water quality: 27% of river length Flooding from rivers, groundwater, than 400kg a year but is decreasing. Landfilled in Wiltshire, and 4% in Swindon, sewers and surface water affected much waste is decreasing, due to more recycling, has ‘good’ ecological status. of Wiltshire and Swindon in 2012–13 due composting and energy generated from waste. to the wettest 12 month period on record.

Tens of millions of litres of water are abstracted every day from our groundwater aquifers to supply homes, businesses and farming.

6 State of the environment wiltshire and swindon 2013 www.intelligencenetwork.org.uk for more information and sources 7 setting the scene setting the scene

Ecosystems and Nature’s services

Our uses of land and other human activities in Wiltshire and Swindon depend upon a The influences on the Drivers of change Habitats and wildlife Wildlife healthy natural environment. This report state of our environment Underpinning all ecosystems and playing looks at ecosystems and the services that they a role in many services, eg. earthworms  Population growth, consumption provide to assess the state of our environment recycling soil, bees pollinating crops, and environmental awareness in Wiltshire and Swindon, taking inspiration or people watching wildlife. Higher levels  Planning and development from the UK National Ecosystem Assessment of biodiversity help ecosystems to be more  Climate change 2011. stable, resilient and healthy, as well as  Politics, science and technology This framework helps to make connections improving the quality of our daily lives.  Invasive species, pests and disease between the state of our natural environment, its goods and services, human wellbeing and Water/air/soil drivers of change. It connects a wide range These elements interact with wildlife of environmental, social and economic issues and geology through physical, chemical and helps us to take account of the full value and biological processes (such as the of our natural environment. carbon cycle).

Geology Providing the foundation of our eco- systems. It includes rocks, minerals, fossils, landforms and sediments. The diversity of geology in our landscapes determines the ecosystems that are present, such as chalk streams and clay vales.

What are ecosystems? All of nature’s services contribute to Human wellbeing Nature’s services Core services They are ecological systems with living people’s wellbeing and this can be valued Responsible for all other ecosystem services. and non-living elements and particular in economic, health and social terms. These include the formation of soil and characteristics. The main habitats in Further assessment is needed to quantify cycles of water, carbon and nutrients Wiltshire and Swindon overlap with the value of nature’s services in Wiltshire (eg. soils breaking down waste). the main ecosystem types – farmland, and Swindon. semi-natural grassland, woodland, rivers Regulating our environment (freshwater) and urban areas. More general information on the local The ways in which nature provides us with economy, social issues and people’s health a liveable environment, such as climate and wellbeing are available on the Wiltshire regulation; pollination, flood management Intelligence Network. and breaking down waste and pollution. kphoto Providing goods c The direct physical goods, including food, drinking water, wood for timber and fuel,

T and building materials. oyager isto oyager Benefiting culture and society V Space and resources for our activities, including access to green space, land for military activity, landscapes and historic environment. hilip Cooper WW Cooper hilip P avebury: f oto avebury:

8 State of the environment wiltshire and swindon 2013 www.intelligencenetwork.org.uk for more information and sources 9 drivers of change drivers of change Drivers of Change  Human population is forecast to grow by 40% in Swindon and 28% in Wiltshire within 30 years and 66,000 new homes are to be built within 20 years

 Our individual consumption of natural resources and emissions of greenhouse gases are above the national average and way above sustainable levels

 Our climate is already changing and unusual weather events, such as the drought and floods of 2012, are becoming more frequent. Mitigating and adapting to climate change can reduce the impacts on our daily lives, farming, the economy, wildlife and ecosystems

 Wildlife species that are not native to our environment are causing declines in our native wildlife and affecting whole habitats, with widespread knock-on effects

Population growth and consumption

Census 2011 puts the population of Actual and projected Swindon Borough at 209,200 and Wiltshire population growth 1991–2021 at 471,000. Rates of population growth 40% in both areas are higher than previously estimated and above regional and national averages. Among local authorities in the 30% South West, Swindon has the highest growth rate at 16.2% since 2001; Wiltshire’s 8.8% growth since 2001 is the fourth highest and 20% the highest of rural authorities in the region.1 Swindon had the sixth highest growth rate outside London in England and Wales.2 A 10% wealth of local Census 2011 data is available online.3 Longer term population growth rates are shown in the graph. The growing population, along with a focus on economic development, raises 2001 2011 2021 demand for water, food, consumer goods, Swindon Note: Growth rates based on % buildings, transport and other infrastructure, Wiltshire growth from 1991 population, and produces more waste. This puts ever using Census 2001 and 2011 South West data and future projections greater pressure on our natural resources, England Source: ONS including land, water and wildlife. The environmental impacts of this are felt within and outside the local area, as large proportions of our food, energy and materials

T are imported. It is difficult to measure overall 1 First data released from 2011 Census: Summary for Wiltshire, levels of consumption but our ecological Wiltshire Council, 2012 2 2011 Census – Population and Household Estimates for footprint is thought to be more than double England and Wales, March 2011, Office of National the sustainable level.4 There has not been an Statistics (ONS), 16 July 2012 abor WW assessment of the economic and social value 3 See Wiltshire Intelligence Network: www.intelligencenetwork.org.uk/population-and-census of the natural environment and ecosystem 4 Stockholm Environment Institute; see State of the yan T yan

R services to people in Wiltshire and Swindon. Environment 2012 report for details

10 State of the environment wiltshire and swindon 2013 www.intelligencenetwork.org.uk for more information and sources 11 drivers of change drivers of change R yan T environmental awareness Invasive species, pests and diseases sam stok ww stok sam abor WW abor Public awareness of environmental issues This means the baseline is shifting; young Our natural environment and ecosystems have in the last 150 years, adding to red, roe and influences the behaviour of individuals, people are less likely to appreciate nature been influenced over time by the introduction fallow deer populations. Their numbers and communities, local authorities and businesses, because there is less nature to appreciate. and spread of non-native species. Some of these range are increasing due to a lack of natural

T as well as government policy and legislation. They are less likely to expect or desire the are considered invasive, causing damage to the predators, despite the killing of hundreds of There is strong national evidence that more abundance of wildlife that existed 50 years environment, the economy, our health and the thousands of animals in England each year t people are becoming disconnected from ago because they have not experienced it.2 way we live. They are one of the greatest threats through culling and road accidents. Deer are nature in their daily lives.1 Each generation to biodiversity and can affect whole habitats valued highly by some and considered as pests has different experiences and expectations of and landscapes. It is estimated that invasive by others. Where they are at high densities the natural environment and younger people 1 Natural Childhood, Stephen Moss, National Trust, 2012 non-native species cost the English economy their grazing can prevent plant growth and 2 ‘Biodiversity conservation and the extinction of 1 may not realise the magnitude of the changes experience’, James R Miller, Trends in Ecology and at least £1.3bn per annum. Many species such damage trees. it has gone through in recent decades. Evolution, 2005 as rabbits have already become part of the Whole habitats and ecosystems are affected Young people are becoming increasingly altered ecosystem, while others have spread by pests and diseases, often introduced from disconnected from nature more recently. outside the area in imported plants or spread by Invasive plants in rivers and on their banks animals or in the wind. Since 2012, the spread are causing serious declines in native wildlife of the Chalara fraxinea infection in ash trees, A tiny water fern (azolla) can…

sam stok ww stok sam and are affecting river flows across Britain, known as ‘ash dieback’, has caused widespread often choking rivers and causing flooding.2 concern across the UK. Infected trees are likely Planning and development All of Wiltshire and Swindon’s river catchments to die, causing immense damage to whole eco- are threatened by invasive plants, although they systems such as hedgerows and woodland, in In Wiltshire 37,000 new homes are planned to Transport infrastructure is another have not yet spread as widely in Wiltshire and addition to the loss of the trees themselves. As

be built between 2006 and 2026. Swindon has major consumer of land, energy and t Swindon as in other counties. Preventive action of July 2013, there were two confirmed cases of increased the number of new homes planned materials (eg. for road building and vehicle is being taken to minimise their impact. infection in Wiltshire at recently planted sites from 25,000 to 29,000.1 Between 2006 and production) and transport is a primary source Species already well-established include near Calne and Melksham. Sixty per cent of 2012, 12,054 new homes were completed in of air pollution and carbon emissions. Motor Himalayan balsam, orange balsam, Japanese cases in the UK have been at recently planted Wiltshire and 7,741 in Swindon Borough.2 vehicle traffic has increased steadily in recent knotweed, giant hogweed, water fern and sites, with infection in the wider environment Figures for the total area of land allocated decades, but declined slightly in the last five monkey flower. Species that are present but largely restricted to eastern parts of England to new housing are not available. Strategic sites years. In Swindon Borough, vehicle miles not very well established yet include Himalayan and Scotland and one case confirmed in for housing cover 1,959 hectares in Swindon peaked in 2008 at 731 million miles, having knotweed, giant knotweed, American skunk Devon in July 2013.4 Borough (for about 60% of planned new homes) increased by 31% since 1993. In Wiltshire cabbage, Australian swamp stonecrop and Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) affects cattle and 312 hectares in Wiltshire (for around 33% vehicle miles peaked in 2007 at 2,342 million parrot’s feather.3 Many of these were introduced and wild mammals, and is transmitted as a of planned new homes). A further 521 hectares miles, an increase of 25% since 1993.6 as ornamental garden plants and have spread respiratory disease between animals. It has have been permitted in Wiltshire for sites In Wiltshire roads take up 36% more …spread to this! or been dumped in the wild, often illegally. spread since the late 1980s to cover large areas with 10 or more homes. Since 1996, 51.5% of land than buildings, while in Swindon In April 2014, five additional plant species will of west and south west England and Wales, and Wiltshire’s new housing has been on previously Borough there is no difference between be banned from sale: floating water primrose, other parts of Great Britain. Its impact varies developed (brownfield) sites and 48.5% on them, although the percentage of total floating pennywort, parrot’s feather, Australian greatly from county to county; from 2008 to greenfield sites; in Swindon Borough this split land area taken up by roads is 3.9% – much swamp stonecrop and water fern. 2012, more than 6,500 cattle were slaughtered in is 40% brownfield and 60% greenfield.3 From higher than the England average of 2.2%. Non-native animal species such as the Wiltshire, compared to almost 32,000 in Devon 2013 to 2026, Wiltshire Council estimates that The proportion of households with access signal crayfish and American mink are invasive and 4,450 in Dorset. In 2012, between 170 and 28% of new homes will be on brownfield sites to two or more vehicles rose from 40% in and cause damage to native species. The killer 200 herds in Wiltshire were under restrictions and 72% on greenfield sites. 2001 to 44% in 2011 in Wiltshire, and from shrimp and Asian hornet are not yet known each month due to a bTB incident. Two pilot In 2012, there were almost 1,600 empty 31.8% to 34.2% in Swindon Borough. to be established in Wiltshire but could be badger culls are being carried out in 2013 in homes in Wiltshire and more than 500 in The presence of the Ministry of Defence a significant threat in the near future. West Gloucestershire and West Somerset with Swindon. Bringing empty properties back into (MoD) in Wiltshire and Swindon is a major Sika and muntjac deer have been introduced the aim of reducing the spread of bTB. use can reduce the need for new development driver of change. For example, the MoD’s Darin S mith and lessen its environmental impact; 681 ownership and management of land on t properties were returned to use in Wiltshire Salisbury Plain has preserved large expanses 4

between April and October 2012. of wildlife-rich grassland which might gbnnss Between 2006 and 2026, the area of land otherwise have been ploughed for planned for industrial and commercial sites agriculture or developed. is 323 hectares in Wiltshire and 120 hectares sam stok ww in Swindon Borough.5

1 Swindon Borough Local Plan 2026, Pre-Submission T Document, Swindon Borough Council, December 2012 2 Housing Land Availability, Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council, April 2012 (figures show net gain in homes – number of new homes less the Muntjac deer: friend or foe? The parrot’s feather can… …choke waterways number demolished or otherwise lost) 3 Housing Land Availability, Wiltshire Council 1 The Economic Cost of Invasive Non-Native Species on and Swindon Borough Council, April 2012, Great Britain, Williams et al, CABI, 2010 4 Empty Homes Agency and Wiltshire Council, 2012 2 Managing invasive non-native plants, Environment Agency, 5 Wiltshire Council, February 2013 2010 6 Department for Transport, 2012 (figures exclude 66,000 new homes are planned for Wiltshire and Swindon aroline robson WW robson aroline 3 ‘Source to Sea’ project, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, 2013 trunk roads: m4, a36, a303, a417, a419) c 4 Forestry Commission, July 2013

12 State of the environment wiltshire and swindon 2013 www.intelligencenetwork.org.uk for more information and sources 13 drivers of change drivers of change R

Climate change yan T CO2 emissions per person (tonnes) Climate change adaptation WW Our climate is already changing as a result of travel to find more suitable conditions. Birds, T Climate change is one of the greatest WW abor increased greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. butterflies and moths are already moving north threats to our environment, society and Unusual and extreme weather events are be- as temperatures rise; the recent increase in little economy. Increasing greenhouse gases in coming more frequent – as experienced during egret numbers in Wiltshire is one example. This the atmosphere are changing our climate Swindon Wiltshire South West England the drought and floods of 2012 and the cold movement may introduce new invasive species, T and further change is now unavoidable.1 2011 5.8 6.5 5.8 5.6 spring of 2013. The average annual temperature pests and diseases to our local environment. This topic presents data on greenhouse 2010 6.6 7.2 6.4 6.2 in England has already risen by about 10c since Extreme weather events and changes in 1 gas emissions, actions to reduce emissions 2009 6.4 7.0 6.2 6.0 the 1970s. In the long term, it is predicted that the timing of seasonal events are disrupting (mitigation) and progress in adapting to there will be hotter, drier summers and milder, the current behaviour patterns of plants and 2008 7.4 7.7 6.8 6.7 a changing climate. wetter winters, with more frequent extremes animals, including breeding, feeding and 2007 7.5 7.9 7.0 6.8 of dry spells and heavy downpours. migration. River species such as salmon are 2006 7.8 8.2 7.3 7.1 The disruption and damage caused by at risk from higher water temperatures and 2005 7.8 8.2 7.3 7.1 climate change are already having a significant changes in quality, such as saltiness in the sea. Climate change leads to flooding Note: Figures are for emissions within the scope of influence impact on our daily lives, farming and the Water availability will be affected by drought, of local authorities; figures for 2011 are provisional economy. The flooding of 2012 affected which could lead to wholesale changes in our Source: DECC Flooding disrupts our daily lives properties, farm crops and transport systems river systems and their wildlife, as well as Greenhouse gas emissions2 and the cost to the UK insurance industry was public water supply.3 From 2009 to 2010, estimated carbon with about half living in rural areas. Many CO2 emissions per person (tonnes) tina to estimated at more than £1bn.2 Climate change In the long term, our ecosystems are dioxide (CO2) emissions per person increased areas are not connected to the mains gas by sector 2010 will also have serious consequences for our unlikely to be able to keep pace with the by 0.2 tonnes in Wiltshire and Swindon and supply and private vehicles are the primary

Industrial/commercial w health, particularly among the poorest and most unprecedented rate of climate change. This fell significantly in 2011 (see table, above right). form of transport. In Swindon Borough, nen vulnerable in society, who are unable to cope will lead to irreversible and significant changes This reflected similar trends in the South West emissions per person from home energy use

d with events such as heatwaves. Efforts to adapt in our natural environment, and have major and England. These figures are all based on and road transport are lower than the national to climate change can also help to reduce green- impacts on our lives. Our understanding direct use of energy through gas, petrol and average, while industrial and commercial house gas emissions and enhance ecosystem of all this is limited and requires increased other fuels; they exclude emissions from emissions are higher. Domestic electricity functioning. For example, high quality green monitoring and research. Already on the basis motorways, railways and other major sources sales per consumer are consistently higher in Swindon Wiltshire S. West UK spaces in urban areas will encourage people of current evidence, there is a clear need for beyond the influence of local authorities. Wiltshire than the national average – 18% in 3.0 2.7 2.3 2.7 to walk or cycle rather than drive, increase immediate action to conserve wildlife, habitats They also exclude emissions that come from 2010 – while domestic gas sales per consumer Domestic tree cover to provide shade, reduce the risk and ecosystems, to make them more resilient producing food and other goods elsewhere, are slightly below average in both Swindon of flooding and give space for wildlife. and able to adapt to climate change.4 For which are then consumed locally. and Wiltshire. Our ecosystems are also adapting to a example, tree planting on river banks provides Emissions per person (see table, above Since 2005, in both Wiltshire and changing climate. Wild plants and animals shade to keep water temperatures cool, helping right) in Wiltshire in 2010 and 2011 remained Swindon, emissions from transport on Swindon Wiltshire S. West UK will be lost and gained in Wiltshire as they trout, salmon and other species to survive. significantly above the England average 16%( ). A roads have gradually decreased, while 2.1 2.7 2.4 2.4 Species like the little egret are moving This appears to be due to higher than average emissions from transport on minor roads Road transport north as temperatures rise 1 Wiltshire Council, 2012 use of energy in homes, with more homes using have increased by 1% and 2% respectively. 2 Price Waterhouse Cooper, 23 November 2012 ‘other fuels’ (such as oil and coal, which have Emissions from ‘other fuels’ in homes has 3 A Summary of Climate Change Risks for South West greater CO2 emissions), and fewer using gas, increased by 9% since 2005 in both areas, England, Climate UK, 2012 4 England Biodiversity Strategy Climate Change Adaptation as well as higher emissions from road transport, although this accounts for a much smaller Swindon Wiltshire S. West UK Principles, Defra, 2008 particularly A roads. This is likely to be because proportion of total emissions in Swindon 1.5 2.1 1.7 1.6 Wiltshire’s population is highly dispersed, (1.5%) than in Wiltshire (8.9%). Source: DECC

Climate change mitigation

Reducing energy use and generating renewable homes in Wiltshire using PV was almost Renewable energy capacity (MW) Caroline R energy helps to lower greenhouse gas emissions, double the national average and slightly below Swindon 2010 2011 2012 Politics, science and technology mitigating our contribution to climate change. average in Swindon (June 2012). The growth Energy efficiency also has benefits for our in overall renewable energy capacity from Renewable electricity 4.90 7.12 15.09 Legal and policy frameworks introduced There is also continuing pressure on health and wellbeing, helping us to stay warm 2010 to 2012 is shown in the table (right). obson WW by national, European and international farmers to increase production to contribute and dry and to save money. The proportion of After several years of relatively slow growth, capacity bodies are key drivers of change in Wiltshire to global food security while reducing households in fuel poverty in 2010 was 11.7% there was a dramatic increase in 2011/2012; Renewable 0.45 1.41 1.45 and Swindon’s environment in relation to greenhouse gas emissions. The globalisation in Swindon and 12.8% in Wiltshire, below the number of solar PV projects in Wiltshire heat capacity greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy, of our food system and (at the opposite end the national average (16.4%). Energy efficiency and Swindon shot up from 347 in 2011 to T Total 5.35 8.55 16.54 water quality and air quality. Policy and of the spectrum) the recent resurgence in local measures benefit the local economy, including 5,317 in 2012. Continued high growth is legislation for farming practices have had food sales, have also affected market prices, by providing employment for installation predicted in the next few years as several Wiltshire 2010 2011 2012 particularly widespread and wide-ranging farming practices and consumer demand. companies and reducing energy costs for large-scale projects, including land-based Renewable impacts. Government grants in the mid-20th Developments in science and technology, businesses. Installations of domestic loft solar PV farms, are completed. In 2012, electricity 10.39 11.11 44.68 century encouraged increased food production including in transport, industry, waste and cavity wall insulation are significantly Wiltshire and Swindon had the lowest capacity which led to grassland being ploughed up and management and energy production, are lower than the national average in Swindon, renewable heat capacity compared with other Renewable hedgerows removed. By the late 20th century, continual drivers of change. Mechanisation while in Wiltshire they are close to or above local authorities in the South West region.4 2.25 4.07 5.19 heat capacity agri-environment schemes had been introduced and use of chemicals in farming have been the average.3 Insulation rates dropped Renewable energy installations, from Total 12.64 15.18 49.87 to improve environmental management and particularly influential and in future, bio- significantly in early 2013 due to changes domestic solar PV to wind farms, can have the current reform of the European Common technology and more precise application in the government's insulation programme. environmental impacts in terms of landscape Source: Regen South West annual surveys Agricultural Policy (CAP) will bring of water and chemicals may drive further In Wiltshire and Swindon, renewable and the historic and natural environment; these further changes. changes in the natural environment. energy is largely generated as electricity from are considered through the planning process. 1 The UK Climate Change Risk Assessment, Government small-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) systems The proposed Wiltshire Core Strategy and Report, HM Government, January 2012 Local food sales are influenced by global markets and landfill gas, and as heat from biomass Swindon Borough Local Plan contain policies 2 All data under this heading is from the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) (including energy recovered from waste), heat on planning for future renewable energy 3 DECC pumps and solar thermal. The proportion of installations. 4 Regen South West annual surveys

14 State of the environment wiltshire and swindon 2013 www.intelligencenetwork.org.uk for more information and sources 15 habitats and wildlife habitats and wildlife Habitats and wildlife  This is a county of farming and as such is heavily influenced by national and European policy; in turn farming affects our ecosystems, soils, water, wildlife, landscapes and people

 We have wildlife-rich grasslands and rivers that are internationally important. However, while wildlife sites are on the whole well managed, they are not well connected so wildlife struggles to move between them

 Many wildlife species are suffering from long-term declines, made worse by the dry winters and wet summers of recent years

 Underlying geology – mainly chalk, clay or limestone – has an impact on land use, landscape character and wildlife. There are 11 distinct Landscape Biodiversity Areas within Wiltshire and Swindon

Land uses and habitat types

Farmland in the table (page 18) includes grassland that Farming accounts for about 80% of the has been ‘improved’ (with chemical fertilisers total area due to the suitability of soils and and pesticides) as well as semi-natural grassland landscapes. Around half is arable and half is which may be ‘unimproved’. The improvement grassland for grazing animals. The management of grassland gives higher yields for farming of farmland has widespread and direct impacts in the short-term but affects pollination, soil on soils, water, wildlife, other habitats, land- quality and wildlife. In the 20th century, 97% scapes and people, and this has been strongly of semi-natural grassland in England and Wales influenced by national and international is estimated to have been lost to ploughing or drivers of change (page 11). improvement.4 Today, Wiltshire and Swindon Since the late 1980s, agri-environment contain about 55% of Britain’s remaining schemes have funded environmental manage- unimproved calcareous (chalk) grassland ment by farmers and other land managers. (more than 19,000 hectares) and an estimated Almost 73% of farmland in Wiltshire and 19–26% of Britain’s unimproved neutral Swindon is covered by 1,171 agri-environment grassland – traditional wildflower meadows T agreements, above the England average of 68%. which are one of the most threatened lowland Their value in payments to farmers is almost habitats in the UK (around 1,900 hectares).5 £13m per year in Wiltshire and Swindon.1 The most popular agri-environment man- Woodland agement options include: organic management; The area of woodland 8.8%( ) in Wiltshire permanent grassland with low/very low inputs; and Swindon has hardly changed for centuries, six-metre buffer strips on cultivated land; field much of it having previously been cleared for corner management; and restoration of species- farming. This is slightly below the average rich, semi-natural grassland. There is national of 10% woodland cover across England.6 evidence that these schemes have been effective Important ancient and semi-natural woods in many respects, but have not yet reached remain, which host a huge variety of wildlife their potential in delivering the full range and provide a wide range of ecosystem services. 1 Wiltshire Agri-Environment Schemes: Key information, scheme uptake and expenditure data, Natural England, of ecosystem services and adapting to climate In the 20th century, large areas were replaced November 2012 change.2 Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) with conifer plantations, which support less 2 Agri-environment schemes in England 2009: A review schemes aim to deliver greater environmental wildlife. These are now starting to be managed of results and effectiveness, Natural England 2009 3 Natural England, 2013 benefits in priority areas and themes. In to attract more wildlife. Many woods are 4 UK National Ecosystem Assessment (NEA), Wiltshire and Swindon the target areas isolated, making them less resilient to change UNEP-WCMC, 2011

orest: stephen Davis WW Davis stephen f orest: savernake in tree h are The Cotswolds, North Wessex Downs, and preventing wildlife from moving between

c 5 WSBRC; UK BARS; Natural England; comprehensive 3 mapping has not been carried out Salisbury Plain and West Wiltshire Downs. sites. Since 1993 the Great Western Community

bee 6 Forestry Commission, 2012 The large area of ‘permanent pasture’ shown Forest initiative has seen about 1,000 hectares

16 State of the environment wiltshire and swindon 2013 www.intelligencenetwork.org.uk for more information and sources 17 habitats and wildlife habitats and wildlife of new woodland planted across Swindon Broad land use and habitat types in Wiltshire and Swindon Wildlife species Borough and parts of North Wiltshire and Oxfordshire. Total land area G raham Coules In 2012–13, the wettest 12 months on England as a whole for 1970 to 2011 show 2 348,500 hectares (100 hectares = 1km ) record followed the driest two-year period severe declines in many specialist farmland Rivers and other water bodies on record, making it a very poor year for and woodland birds, with little change in Crops The three main river systems – the Salisbury wildlife. Opportunities for feeding, sheltering recent years.2 147,304 hectares • 42.36% Avon, the Bristol Avon and the Thames – and breeding were reduced for many species More information is available on are important examples of chalk streams including bats, butterflies, dragonflies and longer term trends at regional and national and winterbournes, lowland clay rivers and birds. The cold spring of 2013 is likely to have levels. For example, in southern Britain, limestone rivers. The Salisbury Avon is designated had further impacts on wildlife this year. the abundance of the larger moth species as a European Special Area of Conservation New analysis of bird monitoring data in decreased by 40% between 1968 and 2007. (SAC) for its biodiversity. Rivers have shaped Wiltshire gives an indication of trends from This is thought to be an indication of the Wiltshire and Swindon’s landscapes and are 1995 to 2010. This confirms that generalist rapid loss of insect diversity in Britain. vital for wildlife, farming, public water supply species are faring better than specialist species. Butterflies have also suffered long term and recreation, along with canals, ponds and Of the 97 more common bird species, 30 declines; in 2012 butterfly abundance lakes such as the Cotswold Water Park and Permanent pasture species are at least 10% more widespread, 27 reached a record low in the UK due to Coate Water near Swindon. Yet many of these 108,332 hectares • 31.15% declined by 10% or more and the remaining the poor weather conditions.3 water bodies face threats, outlined in more 40 are substantially unchanged. Three species Across the UK, quantitative trends are detail on pages 22, 23, 27 and 30. have established breeding populations in the available for only 6.7% of the 47,000 or so past 10 years: raven, red kite and little egret. terrestrial and freshwater species in the UK, Other habitats Herring gull and common tern have also and for very few of the 8,500 marine species. A variety of other wildlife habitats are present increased significantly.1 The greatest declines The assessments of those 3,147 species show in small patches. Many are remnants of larger are shown in the table, reflecting national that 60% have declined over the last 40 years Temporary grass areas and are now isolated in the farmed trends. Statistics on bird populations in and 30% have declined strongly.4 35,468 hectares • 10.20% landscape. These sites are often priorities Dot moth larvae: this species has declined for nature conservation (see page 19), but Broadleaved/mixed/yew woodland by 88% in the last 30 years in Britain Declining d their isolation makes it harder for wildlife 26,733 hectares • 7.69% trends in to move between them and thrive. Built-up areas and gardens bird species 22,736 hectares • 6.54%

Overall Wiltshire 1995–2012 UK 1995–2010 Conifer woodland Land uses and habitat types are presented 3,816 hectares • 1.10% Turtle dove -70% -80% in the graphic (right), giving an indication of Grey partridge -69% -55% current coverage according to the best available Standing open water hollan margaret data. No comprehensive and current map 1,024 hectares • 0.29% Lesser spotted -60% n/a* showing this information exists. woodpecker Rivers and streams The condition of every habitat type has not Willow tit -57% -79% 980 hectares • 0.28% been assessed. For available data see page 23. Cuckoo -52% -49% How habitats link together is not well Other priority habitats* Common nightingale -50% -52% understood, even though this is important 947 hectares • 0.27% if wildlife is to move between sites and Little owl -48% -40% Permanent fruit and vegetables adapt to changing conditions. Curlew -41% -44% Grey partridge populations fell by 69% 419 hectares • 0.12% *Longer term UK trend since 1970 is 71% decline 1 *includes inland rock, fen, marsh, swamp, acid grassland, Wiltshire Ornithological Society, 2013 2 bracken and heathland. Data sources: ONS Land Use Sources: Wiltshire Ornithological Society; Defra, 2013 3 Statistics 2010 (built-up areas and gardens); Rural Payments State of the UK’s Birds 2012 Butterfly Conservation, 2013 4 State of Nature 2013 Agency data 2012 (crops, permanent pasture, temporary  , published by a partnership grass, permanent fruit and veg); Wiltshire and Swindon of 25 UK conservation and research organisations Biological Records Centre 2012 (all other). d P enny Frith enny Wildlife and ecosystem services avi Monitoring Biodiversity is the name given to the variety Services for Sustainability (BESS) – is d k Monitoring, recording and analysing data to j

of wildlife that ranges across all living underway funded by the UK Natural ww aer show accurate trends in wildlife is notoriously organisms, from bacteria to birds. It underpins Environment Research Council. It aims difficult and time-consuming. Hundreds all ecosystems and the services they provide to understand how biodiversity underpins of individuals, mainly dedicated volunteers,

to humans. The more species and abundance ecosystem functions and services with a t devote considerable time and energy to this of biodiversity we have, the better the health focus on the Wessex Chalk region in south- task, yet it is often not possible to compare of our natural environment and the quality eastern Wiltshire, including Salisbury Plain. data between years due to differences in the of ecosystem services. Wildlife is a good It is looking at four key services: climate times, places and methods of data collection. indicator of our ecosystems’ health. regulation, water-related services, crop In some cases, data is available but there is no Our understanding of the state of our production and cultural services. The results capacity to analyse it due to lack of resources. biodiversity and its role in ecosystem services will significantly boost our understanding The state of wildlife from year to year is is very limited, with data only available on of biodiversity and ecosystem services in also highly variable depending on weather recognised wildlife sites and a small proportion Wiltshire and Swindon, and so help to conditions and a range of other factors. In of species. In Wiltshire, a four-year research inform local decision-making and land some years, it is difficult to attribute changes project – Wessex Biodiversity and Ecosystem management. in the state of wildlife to any specific factors. Recording in Cloatley Meadows nature Speckled bush cricket nymph: insects play a key role in making ecosystems work reserve near Malmesbury

18 State of the environment wiltshire and swindon 2013 www.intelligencenetwork.org.uk for more information and sources 19 habitats and wildlife habitats and wildlife

Landscape Biodiversity Areas

Eleven Landscape Biodiversity Areas across Wiltshire and Swindon were defined in 2012, giving an overview of the main habitats and land uses. The map shows the strong influence 1 Wiltshire Upper Thames Clay Vale of the underlying geology on the distinct ecosystems, wildlife, landscape character and local communities in each area.

1 6 Wiltshire Upper Thames Bristol Avon Vale Wiltshire’s geology 3 Clay Vale Open clay vales and rolling clay lowland, Braydon Forest Bagshot beds Low-lying rural area on the River Thames shaped by the Bristol Avon and its tributaries; Chalk floodplain, with wet pasture, arable farming intensively-managed pastures, with arable 2 Swindon Ridge and Clay Lowlands and rare traditional hay meadows, including farming on the floodplain; ancient and wet Clay with flint and plateau flint gravels North Meadow and Clattinger Farm, which woodland and some neutral grassland; a Corallian beds e number 100005798 have internationally-important snakeshead diagonal limestone ridge from the north east c 4 Cotswold Limestone Lowland Gault clay en

fritillaries; wildlife-rich lakes in the former gives way to clay vales to the west; greensand c Great oolite i gravel pits of the Cotswold Water Park. hills to the south contain historic parklands . L and wooded estates. Inferior oolite or lias d 2 Kellaways sand Swindon Ridge and 7 Kimmeridge clay Clay Lowlands Vale of Pewsey Landslip Swindon town lies on top of Purbeck and Undulating, low-lying greensand valley, London clay and Reading beds 5 Marlborough Downs and Savernake Forest Portland Stone; arable and pastoral farmland, with rounded chalk scarps to the north and and mixed deciduous woodland to the north; a south; intensively farmed, meadows and Lower greensand ll rights reserve limestone ridge runs northeast-southwest, with pasture predominantly along the waterways Oxford clay hills, dry woodland, sandy pastures and arable with arable farming dominating the chalk Purbeck and Portland fields; undulating clay vales to the south with foothills; strong examples of the former River alluvia and river terrace gravels arable and pasture land; Rivers Ray and Cole mosaic of meadows, fens and wet woodland feed into the Thames. types; the Kennet and Avon canal crosses the Upper greensand area and streams feed into the River Avon; Rivers

3 pockets of mixed deciduous woodland and Kennet & Avon Canal n Copyright 2013. A w 6 Bristol Avon Vale

beech and yew woodland. d Braydon Forest 7 Vale of Pewsey Low-lying floodplain of Oxford Clay, 8 10 interspersed by Kellaways Sand and limestone; nglan part of the historic Royal Hunting Forest of Salisbury Plain Vale of Wardour Braydon, with a mosaic of ancient woodland Open, rolling chalk plateau with the largest Clay vale and wooded hills, geologically and aster © Cro and unimproved neutral grassland, particularly area of lowland calcareous grassland in ecologically diverse, with Rivers Nadder, Wyle

traditional hay meadows; tributaries of the northwest Europe, dissected by chalk river and Biss supporting meadows, purple moor- E N atural f Thames and the Bristol Avon. valleys with alluvia and terrace gravels; grass and rush pasture, grazing marsh and UK’s largest military training area, it has lowland fens; a range of soil types supports ale Colour R 4 avoided intensive agricultural practices and wet woodland, conifer woodland, and neutral is internationally important for butterflies, and calcareous grasslands; extensive ancient Cotswolds Limestone Lowland 8 Salisbury Plain farmland birds and other wildlife; elsewhere woodland; Purbeck and Portland stone north Rolling limestone region, largely farmed; arable and livestock farming; chalk rivers of the River Nadder, with many quarries

Bristol Avon and By Brook river systems have o permission ith support water meadows, wet and dry wood- important for bats and other wildlife. carved steep valleys and limestone scarps with w land; in the northeast, Collingborne Wood. d calcareous grassland and mixed deciduous e woodland; to the east and north are meadows 11 urvey 1:25,000 Sc d u c 9 e S and wet woodlands; Box Mine and Winsley Tytherley and Langley Woods c Mines in the south are of European West Wiltshire Downs Highly wooded landscape on distinct bands nan importance for bats. and Cranborne Chase of sand and clay in the north and south, d Open chalk downland with significant ancient separated by a long scarp of calcareous r 2013, repro 2013,

5 woodland sites; downlands used extensively grassland; Tytherley Forest in the north is an d 9 West Wiltshire Downs and Cranborne Chase

for arable farming; areas of unimproved chalk ancient semi-natural broadleaved woodland d on O Marlborough Downs grassland on the steep chalk scarps and ridges; renowned for its butterflies; Langley Woods and Savernake Forest nglan Cranborne Chase is a remnant of an ancient and the tip of the New Forest in the south are Marlborough and Pewsey Downs are distinct C base hunting forest with semi-natural woodland mainly acid woodland with heathland and bog, areas of high chalk downland dissected by dry and strong agricultural and woodland heritage; purple moor-grass and rush pasture; remnants SBR 10 Vale of Wardour 11 Tytherley and Langley Woods valleys and coombes; intensively farmed, with chalk river systems including the River Wyle, of traditional common land; Blackwater River E atural unimproved calcareous grassland primarily on with important water meadows. and River Dunn flow east to the River Test. the steep scarps; important for rare butterflies,

orchids and endemic early gentian; River d by the W

Further information on Landscape Biodiversity e aries © N © aries

Kennet, tributary of the River Thames, c d

Areas is available at www.Link2Nature.org.uk u supports lowland meadows and wet woodland; d important woodland in the southeast includes Savernake Forest and West Woods. boun ata pro ata AONB d

20 State of the environment wiltshire and swindon 2013 www.intelligencenetwork.org.uk for more information and sources 21 habitats and wildlife habitats and wildlife

Wildlife sites SSSIs P hilip mal Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and continued to increase (see table, below) and has The condition of SSSIs in Wiltshire and Plain from ‘unfavourable recovering’ to Change in condition of SSSIs Local Wildlife Sites (LWSs) (see table, below left) reached 59% in Swindon and 70% in Wiltshire, Swindon is summarised in the table (below) – ‘favourable condition’, as this accounts for  % Favourable are among the most important sites for wildlife. significantly above the national average of 45%. this has not changed significantly since 2010 70% of Wiltshire’s SSSI area. Natural England  % Unfavourable (recovering)

E Lowland chalk grassland (29,813 ha) and low- Each site is assessed every five to 10 years. Part (the condition of SSSIs by habitat type is and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) are working  % Unfavourable (no change) land broad-leaved, mixed and yew woodland of the reported increase is due to improving shown, right). SSSI condition is assessed on to bring large areas of chalk grassland into  % Unfavourable (declining) (13,629 ha) are by far the main habitat types data quality and improved uptake of agri- a six-year cycle, so only a small proportion ‘favourable’ condition through scrub removal covered by SSSIs and LWSs, followed by low- environment schemes. These statistics also of sites are assessed each year. and juniper regeneration, including by working land neutral grassland (2,542 ha). While there include Protected Road Verges (PRVs), which By 2020, the government’s target is for with tenant farmers through agri-environment are 1,655 sites, with the exception of Salisbury are vital refuges and corridors for wildlife. 50% of SSSIs to be in ‘favourable’ condition schemes. The next SSSI condition assessment Plain, they are not well connected. They are designated by local authorities and are and 45% to be in ‘unfavourable recovering’ of Salisbury Plain is scheduled for 2014. The proportion of Local Wildlife Sites managed to prevent damage from inappropriate condition. In Swindon, more than 50% of Longer term data from 2005 (see chart, known to be receiving positive conservation cutting and planting, pollution, fly-tipping, SSSI area is already in ‘favourable’ condition. below) shows that SSSI condition has improved Swindon 2005 2013 management in the previous five years has road vehicles and road widening. However, another 35% of the SSSI area is significantly in Swindon Borough while in represented by Burderop Wood near Chiseldon, Wiltshire, it appears that some SSSIs have Coverage of recognised Local Wildlife Sites receiving which is Swindon Borough’s largest SSSI and improved while others have deteriorated. wildlife sites in 2012 positive conservation management is currently in ‘unfavourable no change’ con- This may be due to changes in the criteria dition due to pressure from deer grazing. The for ‘favourable’ condition, which includes overall target can only be met if this improves. requiring more detailed wildlife monitoring. In Wiltshire, the target can only be met This is likely to have meant that many SSSIs through a change in the assessment of Salisbury were reclassified. Wiltshire 2005 2013

SSSIs Swindon Borough Wiltshire England Swindon Borough Wiltshire England Shaggy ink cap is commonly found on Number 8 127 4,121 2008–09 37% 43% 32% Condition road verges: over 3,000 fungi species Area (km2) 1.36 280.94 10,643 2009–10 46% 54% 39% assessment of have been recorded in Wiltshire % of total 2010–11 53% 65% 43% SSSIs by region 0.6% 8.6% 8% land area 2011–12 59% 70% 45% Swindon Borough Wiltshire Wiltshire Swindon & West South England LWSs Source (above): Defra 2012 Number 87 1,433 41,000 + Note: Statistics for local wildlife sites include local % Favourable 50.13 22.63 22.73 40.84 37.55 geological sites and Protected Road Verges (PRVs) Area (km2) 7.92 211.79 7,112 + % Unfavourable (recovering) 14.04 74.92 74.66 54.35 58.56 % of total % Unfavourable (no change) 35.38 2.01 2.17 2.98 2.21 3.4% 6.5% 5% land area % Unfavourable (declining) 0.44 0.44 0.45 1.80 1.66 Source (left): Natural England November 2012 (SSSIs) Wildlife sites Defra, The Wildlife Trusts (Local Wildlife Sites 2011/12), Source: Natural England, April 2013 ONS 2012 (land areas) as a % of 4% 15.1% 13% Note: A small proportion of SSSIs and LWSs included in total area this data are recognised for their geological interest Condition of SSSIs in Wiltshire and Swindon by habitat  % Favourable  % Unfavourable (no change)  % Unfavourable (recovering)  % Unfavourable (declining) Davi

Areas of concern zak c d Kj Among the 10 European-designated

aer ww aer Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) within Wiltshire, two sites are of particular concern

as more than half of their area is assessed as Wil arney B

t ‘unfavourable no change’ condition: Acid grassland Bogs Dwarf shrub heath Standing open (lowland) (lowland) (lowland) water and canals  Chilmark Quarries near Tisbury, 0.6 hectares 1.6 hectares 16 hectares 42 hectares designated for its late Jurassic rocks and fossils and its large wintering roost of bats – Natural England is planning the necessary works to improve its condition.  River Avon (Salisbury) – issues with the condition of this rich and diverse chalk river system are well documented, including low Coniferous Inland rock Fen marsh and Rivers and streams river flows, high phosphate levels and other woodland 71 hectares swamp (lowland) 285 hectares pollution, non-native invasive species and 57 hectares 78 hectares damage to river banks. The need to protect this SAC from the impacts of development has been recognised in the Wiltshire Core Strategy and several projects are underway to improve its condition and to meet objectives for ‘good ecological status’ set under the EU Water Framework Directive. Earth heritage Neutral grassland Broadleaved, mixed Calcareous Meadow flowers at Clattinger Farm nature 311 hectares (lowland) and yew woodland grassland (lowland) reserve SSSI and SAC, near Minety The Avon at Salisbury – an area for concern River Avon at Salisbury 809 hectares 3,341 hectares 23,217 hectares

Source: Natural England, April 2013

22 State of the environment wiltshire and swindon 2013 www.intelligencenetwork.org.uk for more information and sources 23 Nature’s services nature’s services Nature’s services  Air quality is generally good, except in certain urban centres

 Natural functioning of our rivers and aquifers is being disrupted by pollution, development, farming practices and extreme weather

 Little information is available about some essential services, including soil quality, carbon storage, food networks and pollination

 Landfilled waste is decreasing, due to more recycling, composting and energy generated from waste

 Water is increasingly being transferred into the area from other counties to meet future demand

 Our distinctive historic environment, green spaces and landscapes bring a range of benefits to local people and visitors

REgulating our environment

One of the key features of our natural of greenhouse gas emissions, mainly from environment is its ability to regulate itself the disturbance of soils through ploughing, through cycles of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, the application of nitrogen fertilisers and water and energy. This self-regulation provides the methane produced by ruminant animals. us with the things that are essential to our Development of land for buildings and other survival: a liveable climate, clean air, water and hard surfacing (such as roads or car parks) soils, pollination of crops and management of removes the capacity of that land to help hazards, floods, disease, pollution and waste. regulate the climate. The specific impacts Biodiversity plays a vital role in providing these of different land uses and farming practices services, from micro-organisms to plants and in terms of climate regulation are not yet fully bees. When regulating services are functioning known, but more intensive uses are thought well, with high levels of biodiversity, our to have higher impacts.2 environment is more resilient and able Details of our progress in mitigating and to deal with change. adapting to climate change are covered in ‘Drivers of change’ (page 11). Climate regulation Local land management and human activities Air quality contribute to the regulation of our climate, by Air quality across Wiltshire and Swindon is absorbing, storing or emitting greenhouse gases. generally good. Air pollution from road and Trees, grasses and soils absorb carbon dioxide railway traffic in urban areas is of concern for from the atmosphere, reducing emissions that its impact on public health. High levels of road cause climate change. Woodland is estimated to traffic and congestion also have implications in be the greatest store of carbon per hectare and, relation to road safety, noise, carbon emissions, in Wiltshire and Swindon, the extensive areas physical activity, quality of life, fuel costs and of permanent grassland and other undisturbed time spent travelling. In urban areas, trees soils are also important carbon stores. The and green space help to absorb pollutants and ploughing of large areas of grassland for arable improve air quality. farming in the 20th century will have released In Wiltshire, there are now eight Air Quality large quantities of carbon. There are no specific Management Areas (AQMAs), including a new estimates of land-based carbon for the local area AQMA declared in Calne in 2013; the Devizes 1 ‘Mapping ecosystem service and biodiversity changes and general estimates vary depending on how AQMA was extended in 2012. Their main over 70 years in a rural English county’, James M Bullock the land is managed.1 Sustainable harvesting source of air pollution is nitrogen dioxide from and Danny AP Hooftman, NERC Centre for Ecology and use of timber also helps to store carbon road traffic, with levels of fine particulate matter and Hydrology, Journal of Applied Ecology, 2013 (doi: 10.1111/1365-2664.12093) and acts as a substitute for fossil fuels. also of concern in Bradford on Avon. Detailed arly bumblebee: philip male philip bumblebee: arly

E 2 NEA, 2011 Arable and livestock farming are also sources and continued assessments in Swindon have not

24 State of the environment wiltshire and swindon 2013 www.intelligencenetwork.org.uk for more information and sources 25 Nature’s services nature’s services

identified a need to declare any AQMAs. Levels and this is affected by high concentrations T Water quality of air pollution in many of Wiltshire’s towns of pollutants. Road traffic, farming, power The quality of water in Wiltshire and Moderate status and the river length with T and the city of Salisbury are made worse by stations and industry emit pollutants into the Swindon’s rivers affects wildlife, river flows Poor status was unchanged. their historic design and topography, whereas in atmosphere and these are deposited on plants and the supply of water for human consumption Nitrates, pesticides and phosphates are

Swindon’s more open setting, vehicle emissions and on the land, leading to acidification and eve WW Day and farming. Our water quality is primarily major pollutants of freshwater in Wiltshire are easily dispersed or absorbed by trees and eutrophication of the environment (its response ST affected by pollution from farming, sewage and Swindon, with the main sources being green space. In both areas, significant housing to artificial or natural substances). This affects works, households and businesses. farming and household detergents (phosphates and commercial/industrial developments are natural systems and has negative impacts on The ecological status of rivers and other only).1 They cause accelerated growth of algae ntheunisse WW A ntheunisse n

planned that would impact on areas of concern wildlife habitats and species, as well as the water bodies is assessed every year and and alternative plant communities, and increase j and the local authorities are producing air growth of crops.4 objectives have been set (under the European oxygen levels, making it unsuitable for fish

quality policies and Supplementary Planning In Wiltshire and Swindon, the main Water Framework Directive) for many rivers and other species. Pollutants in water for public M arti Guidance that will integrate the issue into pollutants are likely to be ammonia and nitrates to reach Good ecological status by 2015 and supply must also be removed by treatment, development and transport strategies. from intensive animal housing, manure and all by 2027. Ecological status is determined increasing the cost and the use of energy and The use of road vehicles is predicted to slurry management, fertilisers and pesticides by levels of pollution, wildlife, abstraction chemicals. Much of Wiltshire and Swindon’s continue increasing – by 28% in Wiltshire by on farmland and nitrogen oxides from road for public water supply and agriculture, and land is within a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone, 2025, for example.3 However, air pollution from traffic. However, there is no easily accessible physical modification of the river course (for where farmers must take action to reduce road transport overall is expected to decline due overview of this issue in relation to Wiltshire example through erosion or development). water pollution from fertilisers and animal to new vehicles that are cleaner and less harmful and Swindon and further analysis is needed From 2009 to 2012, the ecological status manure. An EU ban on phosphates in to the environment. The predicted increase in to identify the levels of pollution and their of Wiltshire's rivers improved slightly overall, household detergents takes effect from June heat waves and unusual weather events as a environmental impacts. There is uncertainty with more river length having Good or 2013 and in dishwasher detergents by June result of climate change will also have impacts about the impact of air pollution on several Moderate status and less with Poor or Bad 2017. Other initiatives are underway to reduce on air quality as many air pollutants become European Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) Field maple: trees absorb carbon dioxide status. In Swindon Borough, 12% of river diffuse water pollution from farming across Salisbury Avon at Fifield: fresh water is at more concentrated in higher temperatures. and nitrogen deposition from agriculture may from the atmosphere, improve air quality length overall declined from Good to whole river catchments. risk from pollutants Air quality regulation is also an essential be an issue at North Meadow and Clattinger and protect soils function of a healthy natural environment Farm SAC.5 Ecological status of Swindon’s and Wiltshire’s rivers 2009–2012 1 Environment Agency, 2013 3 Wiltshire JSA 2012/13, Wiltshire Council, 2012 4 NEA, 2011 2012 2012 5 Wiltshire Core Strategy Submission Draft – Assessment  % good 2011 2011 under the Habitats Regulations, Wiltshire Council,  % moderate February 2012 2010 2010  % poor  % bad 2009 2009 Figures are a percentage total of river length Source: Environment Agency, 2013 Swindon Wiltshire

Flood risk and surface Soil quality and land contamination water management

The quality of our soil determines the quality where the use of permeable materials allows T Wiltshire and Swindon’s ecosystems have a being absorbed and increases the risk of flooding. Much of the rain ran quickly downstream, of services that it provides; it sustains a healthy water to seep into the soil, helping to prevent natural capacity to absorb water from rainfall Natural floodplains are vital for retaining water causing flooding across Wiltshire and Swindon natural environment and is the basis of food flooding.3 and snow, feeding aquifers, rivers and streams in periods of heavy rainfall as they prevent from rivers, groundwater, sewers and surface production and wildlife habitats. There is very Historically, there is a legacy of contamin- and preventing flooding. Chalky and sandy flooding further downstream and store water water; some land remained flooded into spring

little information about the current status of ation from past industrial and commercial use eve WW Day soils drain water rapidly, while clay and other against drought. Retaining water on the land 2013. This affected properties, farming, roads soils, even at a national level, although there is of land, particularly in the major urban areas. ST soils retain water on the surface for longer. The gives it time to seep down to the aquifers. This and railway networks, at significant cost to general evidence of deterioration in soil quality Local authorities have a duty to identify sites way that we use and manage the land affects means it can be used for public water supply people’s lives, businesses and the environment. on farmland, semi-natural grasslands and other that are likely to be contaminated and to draw its capacity to absorb water. For example, water and farming rather than being lost to the sea. It is predicted that we will get more extreme habitats.1 up a strategy detailing how they will deal with quickly runs off fields that are ploughed down Drought was declared in spring 2012 after and unusual weather as our climate continues Farming and construction are likely to these. Wiltshire Council has taken action on slopes compared to fields that are ploughed 18 months of below-average rainfall. Heavy to change. be the broadest influences on soil quality in four sites so far and further sites are being con- across slopes; trees, hedgerows and other rains began in early April and continued, Wiltshire and Swindon. Arable and livestock sidered. Many previously developed sites are vegetation also help to retain water for longer. making 2012 the wettest on record for England, farming, particularly in the last 60 years, has being used for new development (see ‘Drivers Land that is built on or covered in impermeable with annual rainfall 35% above the long term 1 Met Office, 2013 (long-term average is based on 1961 fundamentally altered soil composition and of change’ on planning and development, surfaces such as tarmac prevents water from average in southern England.1 to 1990 averages) quality through the use of nitrogen fertilisers, page 12), which helps to relieve pressure on phosphates, pesticides and other inputs, as well undeveloped greenfield sites. Twenty sites in Monthly rainfall in South East and Central South England 2009–2012 as other farming practices. The loss of organic Wiltshire were remediated (had pollution and matter and excessive nutrient enrichment in contaminants removed) for this purpose in 2012. 250% agricultural soils has significant knock-on The historic military presence has also left effects for biodiversity, water quality and a legacy, for example in terms of decommission- 200% other aspects of the natural environment.2 ing sites that were used during the two World Construction can have an impact on soils by Wars. Wiltshire Council is also increasingly covering the land with impermeable materials involved in land remediation following the 150% and through contamination, over-compacting failure of domestic oil tanks and there have All figures are shown in relation to the long-term average, which is shown as 100% and topsoil wastage. The management of been two significant non-domestic leaks 100% soils in construction is linked to broader of substances that have resulted in land The quality of the soil on farmland will Long-term average 1981–2010 sustainability, such as water management, remediation works. affect wildlife and water quality 2012 50% 2011 1 NEA, 2011 2010 2 NEA, 2011 3 Construction Code of Practice for the Sustainable 2009 Use of Soils on Construction Sites, Defra 2009 Feb April June Aug Oct Dec Source: Met Office, 2013

26 State of the environment wiltshire and swindon 2013 www.intelligencenetwork.org.uk for more information and sources 27 Nature’s services nature’s services

providing goods

Farm produce B u Pollination Crops, meat and milk are the main products authorities show that in 2010 the agriculture, T ff Bees, wasps, hoverflies and other insects Salisbury Plain and elsewhere, but their status of Wiltshire and Swindon’s farms. Half of the forestry and fishing industries generated £140m -taile pollinate wildflowers and crops and it has been is often unclear. Across the UK, two wild farmland is grassland for grazing animals, while GVA in Wiltshire and £7m GVA in Swindon estimated that 84% of EU crops and 80% of bumblebee species are extinct and others are another 43% of farmland is used for growing Borough. This sector accounted for 1.7% of all WW H all d d bumblebee: Darin S wildflowers rely on insect pollination.1 The threatened, probably due to disease and loss of cereals and other arable crops. Horticultural GVA in Wiltshire and 0.12% in Swindon, extent and value of pollination in Wiltshire forage and nesting sites. Unimproved grassland, production covers less than 1% of farmland. compared to a UK average of 0.65%. Since Davi and Swindon has not been quantified. Much woodland and areas such as river banks, verges Other animals such as poultry are farmed 1997, these figures have fluctuated between of our food is imported, in particular fruit and and open ground provide vital habitat for bees more intensively.1 Of 152,750 cattle in Wiltshire £103m and £143m in Wiltshire and between vegetables, so we also rely on the pollination and other pollinating insects. Further research in 2010, 43% were dairy cattle and 32% were £6m and £9m in Swindon, while total GVA of crops elsewhere. Honeybees are the most is needed into the impact of pollinators living beef cattle, the remainder being young males. has grown by more than 50% in both areas.3 commonly managed pollinator species in the close to farm crops. Similar proportions apply to Swindon’s 5,905 Given the nature of the UK and global UK, but their numbers have seriously declined cattle. The total number of cattle has declined food system, it seems likely that only a small mith in recent years and wild insects are now 1 The Natural Choice, HM Government, 2011 slightly since 2005.2 proportion of the food produced within thought to be the main pollinators.2 2 Breeze TD, Bailey AP, Balcombe KG and Potts SG Figures are not available on the amount Wiltshire and Swindon is consumed locally, (2011), ‘Pollination Services in the UK: How important In Wiltshire, around 180 bee species have are honeybees?’, Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, of food produced in Wiltshire and Swindon, although detailed figures are not available. been recorded, including many rare species on 142 (3–4). pp. 137-143. issn 0167–8809 although some indication of this can be gained Local food networks such as farmers’ markets from data on economic output. Statistics for and farm shops are increasingly popular but gross value added (GVA – a measure of the limited in scale, particularly given the small Belted Galloway calf at Clattinger Farm: value of goods and services produced) for local amount of fruit and vegetables grown locally. half of farmland is for grazing animals il c 1 Defra Agricultural Census, 2010 2 Defra, 2011 (from DairyCo website, February 2012) 3 Defra, 2013

Woodland produce T

Wiltshire Coun Wiltshire Wood is harvested from both coniferous The Longleat Estate has 1,588 hectares of FSC- and deciduous woodland, but the extent certified woodland; its estimated sustainable of this is not known. There are 3,816 hectares annual production is 6,000–8,000 tonnes per of coniferous woodland in Wiltshire and year. All National Trust and Woodland Trust Swindon. The Forestry Commission manages woodland (around 450 hectares) are FSC-

3,456 hectares of woodland in Wiltshire certified. om Cairns WW and 51 hectares in Swindon Borough, all of Historically food products were harvested T which are certified by the Forest Stewardship from woodland such as Savernake Forest, Council (FSC) and are actively managed including meat (see below), berries, honey to produce sustainable timber and other and fungi. Today, the volume extracted locally Waste woodland products. The only exception is is not known, but most products are likely to Management of waste Humans create waste and this has direct will be addressed by new facilities to generate Nightingale Wood, a newly planted woodland be harvested on a small scale for personal use, impacts on the environment in terms of land energy from waste in 2013/14. The first anaerobic to the east of Swindon. with the exception of venison. Municipal waste sent to landfill used for landfill and management facilities, digestion plant in Wiltshire, at Bore Hill Farm Cut logs in Savernake Forest the greenhouse gases that emanate from in Warminster, began to collect food waste landfill, and the pollution of soil and water. from local businesses in 2012 and use it to Swindon Swindon Wiltshire Wiltshire Indirectly, energy, water and other resources generate electricity. New facilities are being 2003/04 2011/12 2003/04 2011/12 are also wasted in producing goods that are built to process an additional 60,000 tonnes of 85% 52% 79% 37% thrown away. Nature is able to absorb some residual waste each year at Northacre Industrial Wild meat and fish of the waste through decomposition and other Estate, Westbury, and 48,000 tonnes of waste Shooting of game birds and fishing are Household waste recycled or composted processes. Sewage sludge on farmland acts per year at Cheney Manor Industrial Estate, widespread and popular across Wiltshire as a fertiliser, for example, and river pollution Swindon. Waste taken to the treatment plants and Swindon. These provide food but is dealt with naturally to a certain extent. will be shredded and dried to produce fuel. are also important culturally, socially and However, nature cannot cope with the levels Much greater quantities of non-municipal economically. Deer that are culled to control of waste that we currently produce. The average waste are produced from commercial, industrial, their numbers are also used for their meat. Swindon Swindon Wiltshire Wiltshire amount of solid household waste collected construction, mining and quarrying sources, Specific data for the local area has not been 2003/04 2011/12 2003/04 2011/12 per person is declining in the long term, but there is little data available at a local level found, but these activities have an important 15% 48% 21% 43% but in 2011/12 this was 465kg in Wiltshire, as this waste is managed by private contractors. impact on the ecosystems of our woodland, 416kg in Swindon, and 431kg in England Biodegradable waste, such as food and plant farmland, rivers, streams and other habitats. Municipal waste incinerated as a whole, giving an indication of our levels matter (from gardens and elsewhere), is of For example, many areas of farmland are to recover energy of consumption (see ‘Drivers of change’, particular concern as it emits methane, a managed specifically to provide cover for page 11). powerful greenhouse gas, if sent to landfill. game birds. It is estimated that 35 million Swindon Swindon Wiltshire Wiltshire The proportion of municipal waste sent to Many landfill sites now capture the gas and pheasant are released and 15 million shot 2007/08 2011/12 2007/08 2011/12 landfill continued to decrease in 2011/12, due use it to generate energy. in Britain each year.1 N

3% 0% 1% 23% to sustained rates of recycling and composting, Population growth, new housing, economic eil A l 1 Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, April 2013 and the diversion of waste to generate energy. growth and new industrial and commercial Source: Defra Wiltshire’s performance is similar to the average sites are all likely to lead to increased levels of d ri

for England, while in Swindon, recycling and waste, unless steps are taken to minimise waste d The shooting of game birds such as composting rates are above average but landfill production and manage resources in more cost- ge pheasant is widespread rates are also above the England average. This effective and efficient ways.

28 State of the environment wiltshire and swindon 2013 www.intelligencenetwork.org.uk for more information and sources 29 Nature’s services nature’s services

Benefiting culture and society

Beyond the basic services such as air, water and food, we also depend on the environment for our R

yan T Building materials personal health and wellbeing, for space to carry out our activities, and for our sense of place, The extraction of building materials is deter-  A number of quarries in the Vale of culture and history.

abor WW abor mined by the underlying geology. The main Wardour and the Cotswold Limestone

minerals currently extracted are sand and gravel Lowlands meet the demand for natural t c e

for construction aggregates; 683,000 tonnes building stone in line with the local j 1

of sand and gravel were extracted in 2011. architecture. ro T Chalk (for cement) and clay (for cement manu-

facturing and engineering uses) are extracted Supply of these materials has declined P ites on a smaller scale. The main sources are: significantly in recent years, falling well e S f e

below targets set at a regional level. With li  Cotswold Water Park/Upper Thames plans for new development, these supplies d

Valley – the main production area, a major are likely to be put under increasing pressure. Wil concentration of sharp sand and gravel workings. There is a recognised need to balance Decades of gravel extraction have led to the quarrying activities with the protection and creation of more than 100 lakes which have enhancement of the natural environment important wildlife and recreational value. in these areas of high landscape value.2  Calne/Compton Bassett area – dominated by two sites currently producing soft sand. 1 Mineral Extraction in Great Britain, ONS, 2012 Extraction of building materials is  A single site in south Wiltshire producing 2 Wiltshire and Swindon Minerals Core Strategy 2006–2026, determined by the underlying geology soft sand. Wiltshire Council, 2009

Water abstraction and use Tens of millions of litres of water are this will have an impact on water availability. supplies, and reduce demand and leakage. abstracted every day from Wiltshire and Groundwater is a more secure source than Wessex Water is linking its region through Swindon’s groundwaters (and reservoirs to some (such as reservoirs) as rainwater can be new infrastructure to transfer water from a lesser extent) for public and private water stored for longer in the aquifers. However, the Dorset into southern Wiltshire. Thames supply, farming and other purposes such as Environment Agency already considers that Water is planning a pipeline from the Farmoor fish farming. In 2013, Wessex Water supplied Swindon Borough and Thames Valley areas fall Reservoir in Oxfordshire to supply Swindon on average 53 million litres of water every day within a ‘seriously water stressed’ region. Both and reduce abstraction from the River Kennet. to its customers in Wiltshire. This demand Wiltshire and Swindon’s Core Strategies state More than 500 private water supplies in Stonehenge: one million visitors per year make a vital contribution to the local economy has reduced in recent years, amounting to an that population growth and new development Wiltshire and Swindon provide drinking water 11% decrease since 2001. Depending on where will put increasing pressure on water supply, to over 22,000 people. Some supply water to a Historic environment the water is returned after use, abstraction treatment and sewage, and that action is single home while others supply water to several Wiltshire and Swindon’s historic and natural and gardens is ‘at risk’ – Tottenham House can reduce the flow of water into our rivers, needed to reduce demand and improve water thousand individuals. The risk of infection environment are closely connected; our and Savernake Forest – as the main house affecting their ecological status and wildlife. quality from sewage discharge. Rates of from microbiological contamination of private ecosystems have been shaped by human activity has planning permission for a luxury hotel The heavy rains of 2012–13 dramatically population growth shown in Census 2011 water supplies is significantly greater than in over time, helping to define landscape character development.1 The AONB partnerships have improved water availability since the 2012 data (see page 11) may bring further pressure. public water supplies. Although private water and our sense of place. Historic sites can also published details and maps of historic drought, and by spring 2013 water levels had Two main companies are managing public supplies only serve 0.5% of the population in provide valuable evidence of how ecosystems landscape characterisation in their areas. returned to normal for the time of year. water supply, Thames Water and Wessex Water. England and Wales they have been responsible have evolved and been managed in the past, The historic environment is also affected Increasingly unpredictable patterns of They have also predicted future growth in for 36% of outbreaks of gastrointestinal providing important learning for the future. by many of the main drivers of change that rainfall are likely with climate change and demand and have planned action to manage infection caused by drinking water. The natural and historic environment influence ecosystems, such as planning and is valued by local people and visitors for development, farming practices and the impacts T recreation, culture, history, education, of climate change such as flooding. Pests and tourism, and for religious, aesthetic and disease affecting ecosystems also pose a threat

aer WW spiritual reasons, contributing to our health to designed landscapes, historic landscape and wellbeing. Historic buildings and places character, timbers in historic buildings, and d Kj provide homes, workplaces and green spaces, museum collections. and help to conserve the natural environment Davi 1 Heritage Counts 2012, English Heritage at those sites. They make vital contributions to the local economy, attracting business, visitors and investment, and underpinning sustainable development. Geological sites The number and status of Wiltshire There are 25 Geological Sites of Special and Swindon’s historic buildings, sites and Scientific Interest and 60 Local Geological monuments have not changed significantly Sites in Wiltshire and Swindon. These sites since the previous report. The key concern contain exposed areas of sediments, rocks, relates to the number of scheduled monuments fossils, and other landscape features, offering classed as being ‘at risk’ – 28.3% in Swindon valuable opportunities to understand and and 18.5% in Wiltshire – largely due to arable appreciate the underlying geology of the area. ploughing and clipping. Extensive animal Assessment of their condition appears to burrowing, plant growth, vandalism and have remained unchanged since 2012, with vehicle damage are also threats. Only one around half in good, favourable or recovering These watercress beds near Warminster use water from the River Wylye of Wiltshire and Swindon’s registered parks condition and half in declining condition.

30 State of the environment wiltshire and swindon 2013 www.intelligencenetwork.org.uk for more information and sources 31 Nature’s services nature’s services S teve D teve Cotswold Water Park aster AY WW

T Cotswolds AONB ale Colour R e number 100005798 c en

Swindon c i

BOrough . L d urvey 1:25,000 Sc

Avebury e S c North Wessex nan

River Avon Downs AONB d ll rights reserve r (Bristol) and tributaries

WILTSHIRE d on O C base Salisbury Plain SBR

Training Area n Copyright 2013. A w

Public access to green space Health and wellbeing Military activity Stonehenge © Cro d by the W

The quality of our green spaces and how easily treat health problems including obesity, cardio- There is a real need for the sorts of benefits that Military activity is one of the most important e c

we can access the natural environment are vascular disease, chronic stress, depression and green space provides. Adult obesity in the UK uses of land in Wiltshire. Salisbury Plain River Avon u d central to our quality of life, our society and anxiety. Contact with nature has particular has more than doubled over the last 20 years. Defence Training Estate is the largest and Cranborne Chase (Salisbury) and our economy in Wiltshire and Swindon. In benefits for children’s development and for It is estimated that 25.2% of adults in Wiltshire most important training area in the UK. & West Wiltshire tributaries a 2011 survey, Wiltshire residents were asked addressing emotional and behavioural difficulties and 27.0% in Swindon are obese, higher than It covers 380km2 (11.7% of Wiltshire) and Downs AONB ata pro ata

which things are the most important in making such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder both the South West (24.7%) and England has been used by the British Army since 1897. d somewhere a good place to live; 45% chose (ADHD). Activities in natural green space can (24.2%) for 2011. The uninterrupted landscape of semi-natural ‘access to nature’, second only to ‘health services’ help families and communities to spend time By 2020, 30% of men and 28% of women grassland and underlying resilient chalk (56%). ‘Clean streets’ and ‘parks, green spaces together, strengthening social networks.4 in Wiltshire may well be obese. In 2012, 15.9% soils make it the only site in the UK where and countryside’ both gained 42%. When asked On the economic side, high quality and of Year 6 children measured in Wiltshire and extensive armoured manoeuvre training New Forest 1 why the natural environment is important to wildlife-rich green space can reduce health 19.2% in Swindon were found to be obese, can be undertaken. The Plain also provides National Park them, respondents chose: ‘for the wildlife’ (78%); and social care costs, prevent flooding and compared to 19.2% for England. a wide range of other services and functions, ‘for the large open spaces’ (73%); ‘for passive drive urban regeneration and economic renewal. Mental health is another key local issue. including livestock grazing, arable farming, Landscape recreation’ (70%); ‘for active recreation’ (56%); This will attract visitors and businesses and It is estimated that 60,000 adults in Wiltshire groundwater storage, publicly accessible green The character of Wiltshire and Swindon’s AONBs are designated under national ‘for inspiration’ (34%); ‘for sports’ (22%). In a investment in land and property. Areas of and 29,000 adults in Swindon have a Common space, heritage and wildlife conservation. landscapes is recognised in the three Areas legislation because it is considered in the 2008/9 survey of 4,517 Swindon residents, ‘parks higher deprivation tend to have less access Mental Disorder such as anxiety or depression. The nature of this landscape has made of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) national interest to safeguard them; they are and open spaces’ was ranked as the fourth most to natural green space.5 In Wiltshire, it is estimated that 4,000 children Wiltshire a hub for the military and their that cover 44% of Wiltshire and 28% of managed through partnerships to conserve important aspect of quality of life, after ‘level Accessible natural green space close to and young people (aged 5–16) have conduct families, with widespread social, economic Swindon Borough. The New Forest National and enhance the natural beauty of the area for of crime’, ‘clean streets’ and ‘health services’.1 where people live is known as ‘green infra- disorders; 2,500 have emotional disorders and environmental impacts. The Ministry Park covers 1% of Wiltshire (see map). These all to enjoy, recognising the needs of the local Regular contact with nature can benefit our structure’. Swindon Borough Council has (depression and anxiety); 1,000 are hyperactive of Defence owns or manages other areas of large landscape areas are mainly used for community and economy. In 2012, the State physical and mental health and wellbeing, and identified significant gaps in the quality, (ADHD); and 1,000 have less common mental land and facilities such as the Defence Science farming, but are also invaluable resources of the North Wessex Downs AONB report was green space is comparatively cheap and cost quantity and accessibility of its green infra- health disorders. and Technology Laboratory at Porton Down for recreation, leisure and tourism. They published and the other two AONBs within effective to provide.2 A national Public Health structure, and has a Green Infrastructure and Defence Technical Training, which is are often the only places where we can enjoy Wiltshire established a suite of indicators to indicator is the percentage of people using Strategy in place. Wiltshire Council has For further information please see the Joint moving to the former RAF Lyneham site. distant views, tranquillity and dark night monitor condition, identify trends and inform outdoor places for exercise or health reasons committed to producing an equivalent strategy Strategic Assessments for Health and Wellbeing Thousands of military personnel and their skies, and their distinctive character forms their management plans. All are being reviewed in the previous seven days. The results from as part of its Local Development Framework families (30,000 in 2008) are based in Wiltshire, part of our sense of place and identity. They for the period 2014–19. These include many 2009–2012 were 5.6% of people in Swindon and an audit of existing green infrastructure with an additional 4,000 personnel (plus are vital to the healthy functioning of our of the indicators used in this report and the (lowest in the South West) and 26.9% in is due to be completed in 2014. These strategies dependents) moving in by 2019 following ecosystems, providing space for wildlife condition of AONBs is determined by many Wiltshire (highest in the South West) – should ensure that green infrastructure is the closure of bases in Germany. to flourish and adapt. of the same drivers of change. the average for England is 14%.3 delivered as an integral part of new develop- 1 NEA, 2011 Access to green space can encourage us to ment. There is a well-established network take exercise outdoors, helping to prevent and of public rights of way and access land.

1 ‘What matters to you?' survey, Wiltshire Council, 2011 2 Technical information note tin055, Natural England, 2009 3 Public Health Outcomes Framework for Wiltshire, Public Health England, May 2013 4 Health and Wellbeing Benefits of Access to Nature, Wiltshire JSA for Health and Wellbeing, 2012/13 5 Health and Natural Environments – An evidence-based information pack, Natural England, March 2012

32 State of the environment wiltshire and swindon 2013 www.intelligencenetwork.org.uk for more information and sources 33 gaps in our knowledge gaps in our knowledge Gaps in our knowledge

This report presents an overview of available data and analysis on a wide range of issues, giving a broad indication of the state of our environment. Yet there are many gaps in the current evidence which limit our full understanding.

What we’re missing  Detailed mapping of land uses and habitats  Extent and status of pollination. across Wiltshire and Swindon.  Quantities and management of waste from  Mapping connectivity between priority industrial, commercial, construction and other habitats for nature conservation. non-municipal sources.  Impact of agri-environment schemes on  Levels of local food production, its value, the condition of farmland ecosystems. distribution and uses; amount of food imported  Abundance, variety and distribution of from outside the county for sale. wildlife and its role in ecosystems.  Levels of harvesting of wood and woodland  Up-to-date assessments of the condition produce, wild meat and fish. and management of recognised wildlife sites.  Extent and quality of existing green space  Role of different land uses in carbon capture close to where people live (‘green infrastructure’). and storage.  Levels and impact of local human  Impact of atmospheric pollution on consumption of energy and material goods. ecosystems and farming.  Current and future impacts of climate  t Status and trends in soil quality. change on wildlife and ecosystems.

Further research Given the scale and urgency of the drivers a sound evidence base for local decision-makers. of change in our local environment, we need It would help to ensure that the drivers of more comprehensive and detailed assessment change identified above can be managed of many of these issues. This may also highlight to contribute to healthier, more sustainable other concerns that have been overlooked. It ecosystems and sustainable communities.

aroline robson ww robson aroline is important to consider these issues as a whole A significant gap exists in valuing ecosystem rather than separately as each is one element of services in monetary or other terms. Filling a broader ecosystem and depends on the function- this gap would make it easier and more likely ing of other elements. There are also possible that the natural environment and ecosystem trade-offs between different ecosystem services services would be fully taken into account in which need to be considered and managed, such local decision-making, alongside economic and as the relationship between farming and wildlife. social aspects which have already been valued. A detailed ecosystems assessment for Ongoing work at national and local levels 1 The State of Natural Capital: Towards a framework for measurement and valuation, Natural Capital Wiltshire and Swindon, based on the UK provides an important framework and starting

exploring at avebury: c avebury: at exploring Committee, April 2013 National Ecosystems Assessment, would provide point for future work in Wiltshire and Swindon.

34 State of the environment wiltshire and swindon 2013 www.intelligencenetwork.org.uk for more information and sources 35 d ragon

The 2012 and 2013 reports are f ly: philip male available to download from www.wiltshirewildlife.org and www.intelligencenetwork.org

A large print version of the text of this report is available on request. Please telephone Wiltshire Wildlife Trust on (01380) 725670.

Wiltshire Intelligence Network and Link2Nature More detailed statistics, graphics, documents and links on all the issues covered in this report can be found on the Wiltshire Intelligence Network (www.intelligencenetwork.org.uk). The Wiltshire Intelligence Network website was developed in response to the ever-growing demand for local information. It presents current evidence and reports on a broad range of social, economic and environmental issues. The website hosts the Joint Strategic Assessments for Wiltshire and its Community Areas, as well as assessments from the thematic delivery partnerships on the economy, health and wellbeing, community safety and other issues. This State of the Environment report constitutes the environmental assessment. The report was produced on behalf of Link2Nature as the environmental Thematic Delivery Partnership in the Wiltshire Family of Partnerships. For more information please visit www.link2nature.org.uk

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust Ltd. Elm Tree Court Long Street Devizes Wiltshire sn10 1nj

Telephone (01380) 725670 Email [email protected]

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Registered charity no. 266202 ©Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, September 2013 Written by Jenny Hawley Editor: Susan Litherland Design: www.eandp.co.uk Printed on 9Lives Gloss (produced from 80% FSC® recycled and pulp) by Mail & Print