WATER ANGLIAN BIODIVERSITY ST RATEGY FOREWORD CONTENTS TION INTRODUCTION A healthy natural environment 3 Introduction I is the foundation of a strong 5 What is biodiversity? ANGLIAN WATER SUPPLIES WATER AND WATER RECYCLING economy and prospering 6 Threats and challenges SERVICES TO OVER SIX MILLION DOMESTIC AND communities. We rely on the 6 Habitat loss and neglect BUSINESS CUSTOMERS ACROSS THE EAST OF AND environment to provide the 7 Invasive non-native species 2 1.2 billion litres of water we HARTLEPOOL. THE REGION WE SERVE COVERS 27,500 KM – 8 Unsustainable abstraction supply to customers every day, THE LARGEST GEOGRAPHICAL AREA OF ANY WATER COMPANY 9 Pollution so we recognise that we have IN ENGLAND AND WALES. an important role to play in 10 Climate change safeguarding it. 11 Legislation and policy 13 Site designations explained This Biodiversity Strategy sets 14 Biodiversity 2020 out what we’ll do to protect 15 and enhance wildlife, on our What our customers and stakeholders say own land at places like Rutland 17 Reducing operational impacts Water and across the region in on the environment and around the communities 18 Our commitments we serve. 20 Actions The strategy is aligned with 21 Case study: Engaging our what our customers and operational staff stakeholders have told us, 22 Habitats and also shows how we will 22 Arable field margins contribute to national nature 24 Priority hedgerows conservation targets set out by RUTLAND WATER LAGOONS 25 Streams and rivers the government in ‘Biodiversity The services we provide are This plan has been informed by 26 Neutral grassland 2020’. inextricably linked to the natural consultation with stakeholders 27 Wet woodland/lowland environment. We take water including local Wildlife Trusts, By taking action for wildlife and heathland/fens from rivers and aquifers, and RSPB, Keep Britain Tidy, the wild spaces we can play our 28 Ponds/eutrophic standing we return treated water back and part in creating a flourishing waters/reedbeds/open to the environment. We have Natural England. It outlines mosaic habitats environment, ensuring our significant assets across the our strategy for conserving region remains a great place to 29 Coastal habitats region, including globally or biodiversity across the East live, work, and visit. 30 Appendix nationally important wildlife of England, meeting our legal 31 Further reading habitats such as Rutland Water. obligations and contributing to 32 Anglian Water SSSIs We also rely on the natural the England biodiversity strategy 34 Photo credits environment to help maintain set out in ‘Biodiversity 2020: A 35 Bibliography water quality and quantity. For strategy for England’s wildlife Peter Simpson these reasons it’s important we and ecosystem services’. It will Chief Executive Look out for play our part to protect the also help us achieve our Business our Guiding natural environment Plan outcome of ‘A Flourishing Principles within our region. Environment’.

2 ANGLIAN WATER BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY ANGLIAN WATER BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY 3 IS BIODIVERSITY? WHAT BIODIVERSITY IS THE VARIETY OF ALL LIFE ON EARTH. IT INCLUDES EVERYTHING THAT IS ALIVE ON OUR PLANET – ALL SPECIES OF ANIMALS AND PLANTS AS WELL AS GENETIC VARIETY WITHIN SPECIES. BIODIVERSITY IS IMPORTANT FOR ITS OWN SAKE, AND HUMAN SURVIVAL DEPENDS UPON IT. Amended from ‘Biodiversity 2020: A strategy for England’s wildlife and ecosystem services’ (Defra, 2011)

WHY IS BIODIVERSITY IMPORTANT? Our region’s biodiversity is significant value through A FLOURISHING ENVIRONMENT important and unless we look tourism, recreation, health and FOR NATURE AND FOR EVERYONE. after it the benefits it provides well-being. us will be diminished. As a water company we benefit A good outcome will be… The environment in our region The natural environment when wildlife habitats such flourishes. Rivers, lakes, aquifers provides all sorts of services we as woodlands and wetlands and coastal waters support a rich rely on. Bees and other insects help keep water clean by biodiversity, contribute to a growing pollinate our crops with an removing sediment and economy and provide a valuable estimated value of £430 million other contaminants, or slow amenity for families and communities. to the UK. Birds, mammals its movement though the There is joined-up, effective and and insects act as natural pest catchment to prevent flooding. collaborative management of the controllers. The region’s diverse We even rely on nature to water cycle in our catchments (an biodiversity and landscapes help treat our used water area drained by a river) from source also make it an attractive place before it goes back into the to tap and back to the environment. to live, work and visit, creating environment. Our activities are sensitive to environmental needs and risks, We believe a healthy, properly functioning natural environment and adverse impacts are avoided. The Biodiversity Strategy is the foundation of sustained economic growth, prospering People, businesses, water- and land- for is communities and personal well-being. Therefore, it is users in our region are engaged outlined in ‘Hartlepool important that we play our part in helping to protect in the challenges of maintaining a Water: Our Biodiversity and enhance our regional environment. sustainable environment. All legal Priorities’, which can be requirements are met. found on the Hartlepool Water website From ‘Our Plan 2015-2020’ http:// http://www. www.anglianwater.co.uk/_assets/ hartlepoolwater.co.uk/ media/ICT_Final.pdf environment/index.aspx

4 ANGLIAN WATER BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY ANGLIAN WATER BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY 5 S AND INVASIVE NON-NATIVE SPECIES HREATS T There are about 2,000 such CHALLENGES species in the UK and about 10-15% of them cause significant DESPITE THE IMPORTANCE OF SOME SPECIES HAVE BECOME social, environmental or BIODIVERSITY AND THE VALUE EXTINCT, WHILE OTHERS HAVE BEEN economic impacts. Species of IT PROVIDES, OUR REGION HAS INTRODUCED BY HUMAN ACTIVITY particular concern for Anglian EXPERIENCED HABITAT LOSS AND AND HAVE BECOME INVASIVE, Water include: MANY SPECIES ARE MUCH LESS LEADING TO ECONOMIC AND • Zebra mussel Dreissena WIDESPREAD THAN THEY ONCE WERE. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS. polymorpha and Quagga mussel Dreissena bugensis, which foul water intake pipes HABITAT LOSS AND NEGLECT leading to increased pumping and cleaning costs Habitat loss can occur as a result Our landscape has been • Killer shrimp Dikerogammarus of a variety of pressures such influenced and shaped over villosus, and Demon shrimp HIMALAYAN BALSAM as development, agricultural millennia by humans. Many of our Dikerogammarus haemobaphes • Himalayan balsam Impatiens intensification and climate valuable habitats require active which is a voracious predator of glandulifera which dies back change. The loss of habitat management in order to support native invertebrates and fish in the winter leaving the leads to the fragmentation and a variety of species and thereby Japanese knotweed Fallopia river banks prone to erosion, isolation of remaining habitat maintain biodiversity. Neglect or • japonica which can do costly reducing water quality patches. This reduces species’ inappropriate management can harm to built assets by breaking Giant hogweed Heracleum ability to move in the landscape lead to reduced habitat quality • through tarmac and cement mantegazzianum which is a and increases the threat of local over time. human health risk. Contact with extinctions. the plant, particularly the sap, can lead to severe blistering and scarring. Other species of concern are those that could cause a flood, abstraction and recreation risk by clogging up waterways. Species include Water primrose Ludwigia grandiflora and Floating pennywort Hydrocotyle KILLER SHRIMP ranunculoides.

WOOD STACKS

6 ANGLIAN WATER BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY ANGLIAN WATER BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY 7 UNSUSTAINABLE ABSTRACTION POLLUTION

Sustainable abstraction is key Abstraction Management Pollution of natural habitats can occur both directly and to maintaining a reliable water Strategies (CAMS). indirectly in a variety of ways. supply for all users and ensuring there is enough water left for Anglian Water abstracts Intensive agricultural practices can lead to the drift of pesticides the needs of the environment. approximately half of its water onto neighbouring habitats and airborne pollutants from Over-abstraction can lead to low directly from surface , cars and urban areas are deposited onto soils and flows in rivers, loss of wetland sources and the other half from plants. habitat, increased sedimentation, groundwater sources. Other impeded fish migration and abstractors include farmers, Ponds, lakes, reservoirs and rivers are impacted by agricultural saline intrusion. industry and energy generators. run-off, sediment run-off, pollution from roads, and occasionally from sewer overflows and incidents at water recycling centres. The Environment Agency We work closely with the (EA) licenses and regulates Environment Agency to reduce Litter also constitutes pollution to the natural environment. water abstraction and each unsustainable abstractions The RiverCare and BeachCare programmes, which is funded by catchment is assessed (where there is clear evidence us and delivered by Keep Britain Tidy, allows community groups individually on the amount that they are causing harm), to take ownership of their local stretch of river or beach where of water available for and work closely with Defra and they undertake litter picking as well as other activities such as abstraction from all water others to inform abstraction biodiversity surveys and Himalayan balsam Impatiens glandulifera resources through Catchment reform. control.

OUTCOMES

GOALS

INNOVATION C OLLABORATION TRANSFORMATION

8 ANGLIAN WATER BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY ANGLIAN WATER BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY 9 CLIMATE CHANGE ATION Changes in plant and animal GISL behaviour have been recorded LE & POL and linked to changes in weather ICY and climate. LAWS AND POLICIES HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED TO EXAMPLES INCLUDE: REVERSE THE DECLINE OF HABITATS AND SPECIES. Species occurring further • Legal background north Legal protection is given to • Warmer springs causing life- habitats and species in England cycle events of many species SWALLOW and Wales by legislation such as to occur earlier in the season, the limits of their northerly or the Conservation of Habitats and such as the arrival of spring altitudinal range could become Species Regulations 2010, the migrating birds extinct. Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 • Species populations and (as amended), the Protection habitats have been affected Habitat damage could result of Badgers Act 1992 and the by year-to-year variations in from extreme weather events, Hedgerow Regulations 1997, rainfall and extreme weather such as flooding, droughts and among others. WATER VOLE events, particularly droughts. wild fires. (NERC, 2015) This has resulted in: • A number of SSSIs being given The resilience of wildlife • A network of protected extra protection because of The distribution of native species to climate change will be sites called Sites of their value at a European or is expanding northwards or enhanced through good habitat Special Scientific Interest international level. The sites advancing in altitude. Some management, introducing (SSSI). Anglian Water has are also designated as Special species may be unable to microclimate variability and responsibility for 47 across Protection Areas (SPA), maintain pace with changing improving connectivity at a the region, covering nearly Special Areas of Conservation temperatures and those at landscape scale. 3,000 hectares of land. (SAC) or Ramsar sites. Examples include Rutland Examples include Rutland Water, Rush Meadow, Water and Taverham Mill Tetney Blow Wells and Newbourne Springs. We have • A large number of protected a legal duty to maintain these species, which we must not sites in ‘favourable condition’. harm in the construction At the end of March 2016 and operation of our assets. 98.9% of our SSSIs by area Examples include bats, Water were in favourable condition vole Arvicola amphibius, and 99.9% in favourable or Great crested newts Triturus unfavourable recovering cristatus and birds during condition the nesting season.

HIGHLAND CATTLE PITSFORD WATER DROUGHT

10 ANGLIAN WATER BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY ANGLIAN WATER BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY 11 SITE DESIGNATIONS EXPLAINED BADGER MANY OF OUR ASSETS ARE VALUABLE ENOUGH FOR WILDLIFE TO BE PROTECTED BY LAW OR LOCAL PLANNING POLICY. HERE’S A QUICK GUIDE:

DESIGNATION EXPLANATION EXAMPLES Ramsar Ramsar sites are wetlands Rutland Water of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention. Special Sites protected under the Taverham Mill Area of EC Habitats Directive. Conservation Designed to protect high- (SAC) quality habitats and rare We are committed to managing our Sites of Special Scientific and vulnerable species. Interest in such a way to commitments with regard to Special Sites protected in Rutland Water move them to, and biodiversity, and to make it Protection accordance with Article 4 maintain them in an integral part of policy and Area (SPA) of the EC Birds Directive. favourable condition. decision-making. The biodiversity Designed to protect rare duty relates to habitats and and vulnerable birds. Additionally, under the Natural species of principal importance, Environment and Rural many of which are found on Sites of Sites protected under the Tetney Blow Wells, Communities (NERC) Act 2006, our operational assets. Some Special Wildlife and Countryside Newbourne Springs, Anglian Water has a duty to of our operational sites will be Scientific Act (1981). Designed to Dereham Rush have regard to the conservation designated as Local Wildlife Sites Interest protect the best example of Meadow, Pitsford of biodiversity in exercising (LWS). These will be the best (SSSI) wildlife habitat in the UK. Water, Grafham its functions. The duty, called examples of priority habitats that Water the biodiversity duty, aims to we own and should be managed raise the profile and visibility in a way that conserves their Local Wildlife Sites of local importance for Ravensthorpe of biodiversity, clarify existing interest. Sites (LWS) wildlife and likely to contain Reservoir, Hollowell priority habitats protected Reservoir, Elsham by the Natural Environment Chalk Quarry, We are committed to We are committed to delivering and Rural Communities Marham Fen, complying with all nature our biodiversity duty, for (NERC) Act. Designated River and conservation legislation. example by identifying and mostly by Local Wildlife Saltersford Valley Doing so helps us meet our managing important areas Site partnerships. Protected Flourishing Environment of wildlife habitat on our from development by outcome and No Incidents goal. landholdings. planning policy.

12 ANGLIAN WATER BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY ANGLIAN WATER BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY 13 “

COMMA BUTTERFLY R CUSTOMERS HAT OU “ W EH AND STAKEHOLDERS SAY

IN PREPARING OUR BUSINESS PLAN FOR 2015-2020 WE HELD THE BIGGEST CONSULTATION WE HAVE EVER HAD WITH OUR CUSTOMERS.

We found out that while some customers are strongly supportive of the company’s environmental work, others feel it is less OUR PLAN FOR important than providing the core service 2015 TO 2020 and tackling leaks.

However, on average, evidence suggests N C O O I L T L household and non-household customers A A V B BIODIVERSITY 2020 O O R N A across the Anglian Water region are willing N T I I O to pay for environmental performance. N In response to international Though customers find it difficult to commitments to protecting comment on legal standards, there seems biodiversity, the UK government to be strongest support for going beyond published ‘Biodiversity 2020: A these where there are clear economic Strategy for England’s wildlife benefits for local people (and/or doing so TR ANSF ON and ecosystem services’. The does not increase bills substantially) ORMATI main objective of the strategy is (Anglian Water, 2013). “to halt overall biodiversity loss, BANDED DEMOISELLE support healthy well-functioning Some qualitative research ecosystems and establish Biodiversity 2020 succeeds the and engagement coherent ecological networks, UK Biodiversity Action Plan. activities suggest loss of with more and better places When reference is now made to biodiversity and natural for nature for the benefit of ‘priority’ habitats and species, habitats may be less wildlife and people” to be this refers to those identified as of a priority than other achieved by 2020. being of Principal Importance environmental issues in England as defined under (such as water pollution Implementing the strategy Section 41 of the NERC Act or climate change). That requires the commitment of 2006. said, reducing pollution all sectors of society, including and improving rivers government, businesses, This nature strategy is our and canals for wildlife is charities, statutory organisations contribution to meeting customers’ top priority for and academic institutions. Biodiversity 2020 objectives. improving the local water environment.

14 ANGLIAN WATER BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY ANGLIAN WATER BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY 15 OSPREY ATIONAL IMPAC ING OPER TS REDUC ON THE ENVIRONMENT TO PROVIDE OUR CUSTOMERS WITH WATER AND WATER RECYCLING SERVICES WE HAVE TO ABSTRACT WATER FROM THE ENVIRONMENT. We then have to treat used water and return it to rivers across the region. Using robust evidence, we work with the Environment Agency to identify where our operational assets may be having an impact on the environment. We then agree affordable measures that can help meet Our wider stakeholders include HALL WATER RESERVOIR European and national Water environmental regulators such Catchment management Framework Directive targets. • as the Environment Agency and to reduce the costs and environmental charities such as During the current business environmental impact of local Wildlife Trusts and the RSPB. planning period 2015-2020 we’ll treatment to remove pesticides Among other things, they told us be investing to deliver a range and nitrate from raw water, that: of environmental improvements. and working in collaboration TETNEY BLOW WELLS These will have direct or indirect with other stakeholders on the • We should manage all benefits for habitats and species catchment-based approach important habitats on our own Our existing projects, such as across the region. landholdings, especially our Water for Wildlife, RiverCare • Reducing the amount of SSSIs and LWSs and BeachCare, are aligned with • Abstraction reduction on the phosphate and ammonia being this feedback. They are projects , North discharged at selected water • We should prioritise high-quality focusing on local watercourses and coast and Coston Fen recycling centres across the sites, those that contribute to wetlands, protecting biodiversity region functioning ecological networks, and encouraging volunteer • Implementing habitat where there are landscape-scale involvement. They are projects restoration measures to mitigate • Installation of screens and projects being undertaken and/ being delivered in partnership with the impact of our abstraction passes to support the recovery or where we have significant charitable organisations. on the River Nar in Norfolk and of Eel populations and operational activities Laceby Beck and Skitter Beck investigations to assess Eel T M S in populations in our reservoirs N E M N O R I V N E T R A • In the wider countryside, our We will seek to work focus should be on wetland with others to cost- • Ongoing investigations • Investigating which measures habitats effectively achieve to better understand our may be necessary to meet shared environmental abstraction impact on selected higher standards in the revised We should work in partnership • objectives. watercourses across the region Bathing Water Directive. with others

16 ANGLIAN WATER BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY ANGLIAN WATER BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY 17 M S R A E T I V N T N E M N O R OMMITMENTS BIODIVERSITY 2020 OUTCOME ANGLIAN WATER’S COMMITMENT R C 1D. Restoring at least 15% of We will contribute to this target OU degraded ecosystems as a through the habitat creation and contribution to climate change restoration work undertaken on our TAKING ACCOUNT OF OUR CUSTOMERS’ AND STAKEHOLDERS’ mitigation and adaptation. land or through projects such as VIEWS, WE WILL MEET OUR LEGAL OBLIGATIONS AND PLAY OUR Water for Wildlife, RiverCare and BeachCare. PART IN RESTORING NATURE IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS: 3. By 2020, we will see an overall We will take action to protect and improvement in the status of our enhance priority species during the BIODIVERSITY 2020 OUTCOME ANGLIAN WATER’S COMMITMENT wildlife and will have prevented construction and operation of our further human-induced extinctions assets. 1A. Better wildlife habitats with 90% We will continue to bring our SSSIs of known threatened species. of priority habitats in favourable or into favourable condition to meet We will work with Buglife to identify recovering condition and at least the 50% and 95% targets and exceed if any of our sites could make a 50% of SSSIs in favourable condition, them where possible, as is our legal significant contribution to protecting while maintaining at least 95% in duty. pollinating insects, for example by favourable or recovering condition. We will identify priority habitats on providing nectar-rich plants. our land and work with operational colleagues to implement appropriate We will identify sites that by their management. location and size could make a meaningful contribution to the 1B. More, bigger and less fragmented Where we have to prioritise our conservation of farmland birds, for areas for wildlife, with no net loss of sites we will focus on those that can example by providing summer insect priority habitat and an increase in contribute the most to restoring food, a winter seed source and the overall extent of priority habitats functioning ecological networks. habitats for nesting. by at least 200,000 ha. We will support the creation of new priority habitats through partnership If resources allow we will consider projects such as Water for Wildlife, supporting species projects in our RiverCare and BeachCare and region, especially where they are through the creation of a grant aligned with other priorities. scheme. 4. By 2020, significantly more We will encourage the active 1C. By 2020, at least 17% of land We will identify landscape-scale people will be engaged in involvement of operational staff and inland water, especially areas projects across our region and biodiversity issues, aware of its value in protecting biodiversity. We of particular importance for identify what role our landholdings and taking positive action. will support public access and biodiversity and ecosystem services, could play in delivering project environmental awareness on our will be conserved through effective, targets. We will implement measures recreational sites. integrated and joined-up approaches where we can do so effectively to safeguard biodiversity and within the resources available. ecosystem services, including EVERYONE IN OUR COMPANY HAS A ROLE TO through management of our existing systems of protected areas PLAY IN PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT and the establishment of nature improvement areas.

18 ANGLIAN WATER BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY ANGLIAN WATER BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY 19 ONS ACTIO CASE STUDY Operational Sites Biodiversity Champions among 1 Continue to invest in our own operational staff, to support SSSIs to bring them into and and encourage nature maintain them in favourable conservation on our condition landholdings 2 Identify operational sites 9 Where feasible, eradicate or designated as Local Wildlife prevent the spread of invasive Sites (LWS) in order to bring non-native species into favourable condition. 10 Maintain existing network of All operational LWS to have successful Barn owl Tyto alba management prescriptions by boxes on AW sites BIODIVERSITY ENGAGING OUR March 2018 11 Explore the potential of AW CHAMPION 3 Investigate the feasibility of water towers and similar assets OPERATIONAL STAFF implementing a net biodiversity to provide Peregrine falcon Every employee has a role gain policy for operational sites Falco peregrinus nesting sites to to play in helping Anglian grassland enhancement project by March 2019 support their range expansion, Water create a Flourishing at Wing Water Treatment 4 Identify location and extent of where this does not impact Environment. This is particularly Works (WTW) in Leicestershire. priority habitats on operational upon our operations relevant to the colleagues who The grassland at the site was sites, screen against criteria 12 Conserve or mitigate impacts work on our operational sites. maintained as regularly mown upon priority species where amenity grassland with little such as size, proximity to We have created a network protected sites, landscape- found on our sites biodiversity value. Biodiversity of Biodiversity Champions in scale conservation projects, gains have been achieved by Water and Water Recycling species priority areas by March changing the management Wider countryside Services who provide support 2020. Develop management regime and enhancing the seed and information to operational prescriptions for key sites in 1 Continue to support RiverCare, bank through spreading green teams. Biodiversity Champions AMP7 BeachCare and Water for hay collected from a nearby take on responsibility for Wildlife through to March 2020 nature reserve. Steve has grown 5 Identify sites within the B-Lines delivering management and his skills in project management network where action to 2 Launch a grant scheme to enhancing biodiversity within provide funds for wetland and developed an understanding support pollinating insects can their operational areas under habitat and species conservation of grassland management be undertaken. March 2020 guidance from the Biodiversity projects in 2016. techniques by leading this work. 6 Identify sites across the Team. The role forms part of region where action to 3 Support the mapping of B-Lines their professional development Furthermore, Steve has used support farmland birds can be across the Anglian Water and they gain transferable and his experience as a Biodiversity Region. 2015/16 undertaken. March 2020 conservation-related knowledge Champion to demonstrate his 7 Support operational staff 4 Continue support for the and skills. commitment to the environment to ensure compliance with Pool frog project though to Biodiversity Champion Steve in order to become the first protected species legislation March 2020 Coles, a Process Controller in ever Registered Environmental and implement management 5 Support catchment and coastal Water Services, is leading a Technician with the Society for prescriptions for biodiversity advisors to enable them to the Environment. 8 Continue to develop and provide advice that delivers support a network of biodiversity benefits

20 ANGLIAN WATER BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY ANGLIAN WATER BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY 21 S THE FOLLOWING PAGES ITAT DESCRIBE SOME OF THE HAB IMPORTANT HABITATS FOUND ON OR AROUND ANGLIAN WATER SITES. THE BEST EXAMPLES WILL BE PROTECTED AS SITES OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST OR LOCAL WILDLIFE SITES. OTHERS, WHILE NOT DESIGNATED, SHOULD STILL BE MANAGED AS PART OF OUR BIODIVERSITY DUTY BARN OWL (SEE PAGE 12). other habitats, a physical wind- break that prevents damage to crops from extreme weather ARABLE FIELD MARGINS and a method of controlling soil erosion along watercourses. This habitat comprises the A number of bird species uncultivated margin of a field associated with farmland have around the edge of a crop. It seen significant declines due to may be managed as a low-input the intensification of agriculture system for the establishment of over recent decades. Many of plants adapted to this habitat, these have been affected due planted with heavily seeding to the creation of larger field species as wild bird cover, planted systems resulting in the loss of with valuable pollen and nectar nesting and foraging habitats, forage species or used as a strip the change to winter sown to buffer an adjoining habitat crops from spring sown crops such as a river. diminishing winter stubbles as Many plants that were once foraging habitats, pesticide use characteristic of uncultivated field reducing invertebrate availability margins are now rare or extinct, and cultivation to the very such as Corn-cockle Agrostemma edges of fields minimising the githago and Corn marigold availability of cereal weed seeds. Chrysanthemum segetum. For Kestrels Falco tinnunculus and Arable field margins provide Barn owls, arable field margins many benefits, including the provide habitats and landscape provision of habitat for important connections for prey items, crop pollinators and species that including mice, voles and shrews play an integral role in biological and thus are able to support more pest control, linkages between territories across the landscape.

22 ANGLIAN WATER BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY ANGLIAN WATER BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY 23 PRIORITY HEDGEROWS STREAMS AND RIVERS

Hedgerows provide essential Rivers provide habitats for a wide networks across the landscape by variety of plants and animals, both connecting fragmented habitats within the watercourse and also along as well as providing a habitat the river bank. resource in their own right. Priority Riverside habitats associated with hedgerows include those that are watercourses support wetland species defined as ancient hedgerows such as Otter Lutra lutra and Water predating the Enclosure period vole Arvicola amphibious. The in- of 1720 – 1840, species-rich channel habitats are important for hedgerows that comprise five or declining species, including White- more woody species within a 30 clawed crayfish Austropotamobius metre length as well as supporting pallipes, Bullhead Cottus gobio a rich and diverse ground flora, and European eel Anguilla Anguilla. and hedgerows of which at least Invasive species spread easily along 80% of their composition is made HEDGEROW rivers and streams and the invasive up of at least one native woody Himalayan balsam is an example of tree or shrub species. Legislative The flora that establishes at the one that has spread extensively along protection is afforded through the base of a hedge is equally as the river corridors in the region. Hedgerow Regulations 1997. important and certain bird species, such as Yellowhammer Emberiza Chalk rivers are characterised by lush Implementing appropriate citrinella, Grey partridge Perdix growth of Water-crowfoot Ranunculus management, planting new perdix and Song thrush Turdus spp., Starworts Callitriche spp., hedgerows and filling-in gaps philomelos, will nest on or near to Watercress Rorippa spp. and Lesser within existing hedgerows across the ground where suitable. water parsnip Berula erecta. They are our assets will provide linkages fed from groundwater chalk aquifers. between other existing habitats The connections that are formed There are only a few hundred chalk and provide nesting and foraging across the landscape and between streams in the world and about 85% opportunities for a variety of bird different habitats by hedgerows of them are found in the south and species, including Turtle dove, provide commuting corridors . The River Wensum, which has declined significantly for reptiles, amphibians, small where Taverham across England since the late 1970s. mammals and bat species. Mill is located, is designated as a SAC for its habitat.

WHITE-CLAWED CRAYFISH

24 ANGLIAN WATER BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY ANGLIAN WATER BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY 25 WET WOODLAND NIGHTINGALE In Anglian Water’s area this habitat usually occurs on poorly drained soils or seasonally wet soils in floodplains, along streams or as successional habitats on fens. They are affected by clearance, lowering of water tables, overgrazing, river canalisation, poor water quality from eutrophication, industrial LOWLAND MIXED NEUTRAL GRASSLAND effluents or rubbish dumping and DECIDUOUS WOODLAND NEUTRAL GRASSLAND invasion of non-native species NEUTRAL GRASSLAND SUPPORTS A PLANT COMMUNITY THAT such as Himalayan balsam. Ancient woodlands are those that have existed continuously since FORMS ON SOILS THAT ARE NOT TOO ACIDIC OR ALKALINE. THEY 1600. They have undisturbed soils ARE GENERALLY FOUND IN LOWLANDS AND MAY INCLUDE WET and comprise mixed native trees GRASSLANDS. and shrubs and open areas. Much of the neutral grassland altitude and is usually managed as throughout England has been pasture. Well-managed woodland habitats agriculturally improved in the past support a wide variety of Lowland Calcareous Grassland to increase yield and this equally specialist and generalist species, This habitat develops on shallow applies across the Anglian Water including birds, small mammals, lime rich soils; they are usually region. invertebrates and bats. Traditional grazed and sometimes cut for hay. management techniques such as These grasslands were traditionally coppicing have declined, leading managed as hay meadows and LOWLAND HEATHLAND HIMALAYAN BALSAM to a drop in habitat quality. grazing pastures. By implementing a similar management regime This habitat is characterised by FENS WOODWALTON FEN today, the species richness the presence of heather and Fens are peatlands that of neutral grasslands can be gorse species. receive water from the maintained. They are characteristically found ground as well as from rain Well-managed and floristically on acidic, sandy, free-draining water and river flooding. rich grasslands support a diverse soils that are nutrient poor and They are part of a complex assemblage of invertebrates and in below 300m in altitude. of wetland habitats including particular, pollinating insects. These Since 1800 over 80% of the reedbeds, swamp and provide a key service pollinating heathland resource has been lost marshes. Since 1945, lowland crops and wildflowers, in addition due to agricultural improvement, fens have been lost as a result to providing a food source to other housing and roads, and of drainage and conversion wildlife. Other types of grassland encroachment of scrub and trees. to agricultural land, over- include: The most significant areas for abstraction leading to drying Lowland Dry Acid Grassland heathland in our region are in out and scrub encroachment, This habitat occurs on nutrient- Breckland, and along the and agricultural run-off poor, free-draining soils with coast. causing enrichment and a pH of 4-5.5, below 300m changes in plant communities.

26 ANGLIAN WATER BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY ANGLIAN WATER BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY 27 COASTAL HABITATS

1,200km of coastline marks the eastern boundary of the Anglian Water region. Priority coastal habitats include saltmarsh, vegetated shingle, intertidal mudflats and saline lagoons. PONDS Some of these priority habitats GREY SEALS are present on Anglian Water Ponds are defined as permanent land assets and examples include water bodies up to two hectares in Stannet’s Creek lagoon in , breeding colonies of Grey seal extent and seasonal standing water part of the Crouch and Roach Halichoerus grypus in the UK. bodies which usually hold water Estuary SSSI and SAC, and a Coastal habitats play an important for up to four months of the year. section of Tilbury Marshes LWS at role in protecting much of our low- The quality and quantity of ponds Tilbury Water Recycling Centre. lying region from tidal surges, but in the country has declined as their are susceptible to coastal squeeze economic functions of providing REEDBEDS These coastal as a result of management and water for livestock, clay for housing habitats development pressures and the or soil improvement ceased in Reedbeds are a type of fen support effects of climate change. many areas. Urban development community dominated by Common important and intensification of agriculture reed Phragmites australis. Many species such Our commitment to identify and has also contributed to their have been lost due to water as Sandwich manage priority habitat on our decline. BAP Priority Habitat Ponds abstraction, land drainage, tern Sterna land is equally applicable to the must meet one or more additional conversion to agriculture or lack sandvicensis coastal habitats that we have a criteria such as supporting Red of management leading to scrub COMMON and the largest responsibility for. Data Book, UK BAP or other fully invasion. They are important SEAL protected species. breeding areas for a number of rare birds. EUTROPHIC STANDING WATERS OPEN MOSAIC HABITATS ON These are still waters such as PREVIOUSLY DEVELOPED LAND lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits, which are rich in plant nutrients. This habitat comprises patches of They are characterised by having bare ground with plants able to dense populations of algae in grow on thin soils, more established midsummer and beds covered open grasslands with herbs, scrub by dark anaerobic mud, rich in and patches of other habitat such organic matter. Depending on age as heathland, woodland, swamp, and management they can be ephemeral pools and inundation fringed with reeds, sweet-grass and grasslands. Such complex habitats other emergent plants or willow develop in places such as disused scrub. They support a diverse quarries and post-industrial sites. ecology, including fish, amphibians, They may also be found in a small invertebrates and breeding birds. quantity on our operational sites.

28 ANGLIAN WATER BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY ANGLIAN WATER BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY 29 THE LIST BELOW OUTLINES SPECIES SPECIES NOTABLE BECAUSE ASSOCIATED HABITATS OF PRINCIPAL IX FOR WHICH ANGLIAN WATER LAND IMPORTANCE IN ENGLAND PPEND ASSETS HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTIONS TO AT A LANDSCAPE Pool frog Conservation of Habitats and Lowland fens, Pelophylax lessonae Species Regulations 2010, ponds SCALE. THESE SPECIES MAY BE WCA Schedule 5, NERC Act PROTECTED AT A EUROPEAN OR NATIONAL 2006 Section 41 LEVEL OR HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AS White-clawed WCA Schedule 5, NERC Act Rivers OF CONSERVATION CONCERN. THE crayfish 2006 Section 41 RELEVANT CONSERVATION LISTING OR Austropotamobius LEGISLATION IS GIVEN. pallipes Silver-studded blue WCA Schedule 5, NERC Act Lowland heathland, Plebejus argus 2006 Section 41 coastal sand dunes SPECIES NOTABLE BECAUSE ASSOCIATED HABITATS OF PRINCIPAL Pollinators Including species of Principal Arable field margins, IMPORTANCE IN ENGLAND Importance in England as lowland calcareous outlined under the NERC Act grassland, lowland Osprey WCA Schedule 1, Birds of Eutrophic standing 2006 Section 41 meadows Pandion haliaetus Conservation Concern 4 – waters Amber listed Norfolk hawker WCA Schedule 5, NERC ACT Lowland fens, Aeshna isosceles 2006 Section 41 ponds Nightingale Birds of Conservation Lowland mixed Luscinia Concern 4 – Red listed deciduous woodland megarhynchos and scrub Barn owl WCA Schedule 1, Birds of Arable field margins, READING Tyto alba Conservation Concern 4 – lowland meadows RTHER Green listed FU UK National Ecosystem Assessment Peregrine falcon WCA Schedule 1, Birds of http://uknea.unep-wcmc.org/ Falco peregrinus Conservation Concern 4 – Green listed Making Space for Nature: A Review of England’s Wildlife Sites Farmland birds NERC Act 2006 Section Arable field margins, and Ecological Network 41, Birds of Conservation lowland meadows http://archive.defra.gov.uk/environment/biodiversity/documents/ Concern 3 – Red and Amber 201009space-for-nature.pdf listed The Natural Choice: Securing the value of nature. Water vole WCA Schedule 5, NERC Act Rivers Arvicola amphibius 2006 Section 41 Natural Environment White Paper http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/cm80/8082/8082.pdf Otter Conservation of Habitats and Rivers Lutra lutra Species Regulations 2010, EU Biodiversity Strategy WCA Schedule 5, NERC Act http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/biodiversity/comm2006/2020.htm 2006 Section 41

Bats WCA Schedule 5, NERC Act Arable field margins, Biodiversity 2020: A strategy for England’s wildlife Chiroptera 2006 Section 41 hedgerows, woodlands, and ecosystem services rivers, lowland https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/biodiversity-2020-a- meadows strategy-for-england-s-wildlife-and-ecosystem-services

30 ANGLIAN WATER BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY ANGLIAN WATER BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY 31 LIAN WATER SSSI SSSI COUNTY CONDITION MARCH 2016 ANG Is Pitsford Reservoir Favourable CONDITION OF ANGLIAN WATER SSSIs. AS OF MARCH Pitstone Reservoir Unfavourable recovering 2016 98.9% OF ANGLIAN WATER’S SSSIs BY AREA WERE IN FAVOURABLE CONDITION. Risby Norfolk Favourable SSSI COUNTY CONDITION MARCH 2016 Rutland Reservoir Rutland Favourable

Barrow Hill WR Suffolk Unfavourable recovering St. Osyth STW Essex Favourable

Barton on STW Humberside Unfavourable declining Stannett’s Lagoon Essex Favourable

Broadholme STW Northamptonshire Unfavourable recovering Surlingham Sub-Ferry Corner SP Norfolk Favourable

Burnham Norton Norfolk Favourable Surlingham, Coldham Hall Norfolk Favourable Carnser Bylaugh STW Norfolk Unfavourable no change Taverham Mills Norfolk Unfavourable no change Caistor WS Norfolk Favourable Tetney Blow Wells Lincolnshire Unfavourable recovering Chantry STW Suffolk Favourable Thorpeness STW Suffolk Unfavourable recovering Codson Hill WR Norfolk Favourable Tollesbury STW Essex Unfavourable recovering Colchester STW Essex Unfavourable recovering Tuddenham Temple Bridge Rd Norfolk Favourable Cranwich Wellington Norfolk Unfavourable recovering Plantation B BS Tuddenham WS Suffolk Favourable

Dereham Rush Meadow STW Norfolk Unfavourable recovering Twelve Acre Wood – Borehole 3 Norfolk Unfavourable recovering

Didlington WS Suffolk Unfavourable recovering Twelve Acre Wood – WS Norfolk Unfavourable recovering

Foxcote Reservoir Buckinghamshire Favourable Two Mile Bottom Norfolk Unfavourable recovering

Grafham Reservoir Favourable Weeting STW Norfolk Favourable

Grimsby – Pyewipe STW Humberside Unfavourable recovering Weeting Wellington Plantation Norfolk Unfavourable recovering C BS Havengore STW Essex Unfavourable recovering Weeting Wellington Plantation Norfolk Unfavourable recovering High Ash – New WR Norfolk Unfavourable recovering C WA

Maidscross Hill Reservoir Suffolk Favourable Weeting Wellington Plantation Norfolk Unfavourable recovering D BS Maldon STW Essex Favourable Wellington Plantation Mis BH Norfolk Unfavourable recovering Methwold Wellington Norfolk Unfavourable recovering Plantation A BS Wicken-Wicken Lode Cambridgeshire Favourable

Newbourne Springs Suffolk Favourable Wing WTW Leicestershire Favourable

32 ANGLIAN WATER BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY ANGLIAN WATER BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY 33 CREDITS PHY PHOTO BIBLIOGRA 3 Rutland Water Lagoons – Anglian Water 4 Castle Acre – Mike Drew, Anglian Water Defra. (2011, August 19). 6 Wood stacks – Mike Drew, Anglian Water Biodiversity 2020: A strategy for England’s wildlife 7 Killer shrimp – Environment Agency and ecosystem services. Himalayan balsam – GBNNSS Retrieved from Gov.uk: https://www.gov.uk/government/ 10 Swallow – Adrian Hinchliffe, Anglian Water publications/biodiversity-2020-a-strategy-for-england-s- wildlife-and-ecosystem-services Highland cattle – Mike Drew, Anglian Water Pitsford Water drought – Anglian Water NERC. (2015). 11 Water vole – Adrian Hinchliffe, Anglian Water LWEC – Biodiversity report card. 12 Badger – Adrian Hinchliffe, Anglian Water Retrieved from NERC: http://www.nerc.ac.uk/research/ 14 Comma butterfly – Mike Drew, Anglian Water partnerships/lwec/products/report-cards/biodiversity/ Banded demoiselle – Mike Drew, Anglian Water 15 Stakeholders Workshop – Mike Drew, Anglian Water 16 Osprey – John Wright, Osprey Project Tetney Blow Wells – Mike Drew, Anglian Water 17 Hall Water Reservoir – Anglian Water 21 Biodiversity Champion, Steve Coles – Anglian Water 22 Wildflowers– Mike Drew, Anglian Water 23 Barn owl – Steve Frost, Anglian Water Kestrel – Adrian Hinchliffe, Anglian Water 24 Hawthorn – Mike Drew, Anglian Water Hedgerow – Mike Drew, Anglian Water 25 Aerial view of Donington on Bain – Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project White-clawed crayfish – Mike Drew, Anglian Water 26 Neutral grassland – Mike Drew, Anglian Water 27 Himalayan balsam – Mike Drew, Anglian Water Nightingale – Nick Clayton, Anglian Water Woodwalton Fen – Chris Gerrard, Anglian Water 28 Pool frog – Mike Drew, Anglian Water 29 Grey seals – Kylie Jones, Anglian Water Oystercatchers – Rob Dix, Anglian Water Common seal – Adrian Hinchliffe, Anglian Water

34 ANGLIAN WATER BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY ANGLIAN WATER BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY 35 N WATER GLIA N VERS A BIODIVERSITY STR ATEGY

SM AR T E NVI RONMENT

Further information is available at anglianwater.co.uk Produced by LED537/04/16 01904 479 500 (S_711)