DOCSLIB.ORG

Dorset and Plymouth Local Group 18 Devon Heathlands’ Rare Lizards and Snakes

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Dorset and Plymouth Local Group 18 Devon Heathlands’ Rare Lizards and Snakes RSPB-events-oct-mar-030910:Layout 1 28/09/2010 10:27 Page 1 LOVE NATURE? Things to do • Places to go • Ways to help October 2010 to March 2011 Our wildlife guide to the South West nature’s voice RSPB-events-oct-mar-030910:Layout 1 28/09/2010 10:27 Page 2 Where to make your LOVE NATURE? So do we! date with nature. The RSPB is passionate about wildlife and wild places, and Cornwall 4 Cornwall Local Group 5 this is our guide to how you can get closer to nature in the RSPB Hayle Estuary nature reserve 6 South West. RSPB Marazion Marsh nature reserve 7 Who are we? Devon 8 We’re the largest wildlife conservation charity in the UK. Avocet cruises on the Exe 9 & 15 We have a million members and together we speak out RSPB Aylesbeare nature reserve 10 for nature. RSPB Chapel Wood nature reserve 11 RSPB Exe Estuary nature reserve 12 & 13 Our passion for wildlife... RSPB Shop Darts Farm 12 & 13 We own and manage nature reserves for their remarkable RSPB Labrador Bay nature reserve 14 wildlife, such as our Somerset wetlands, home to orchid Exeter Local Group 17 meadows, otters and water voles; our Wiltshire reserves’ Kingsbridge Wildlife Explorers 18 stunning chalk grassland flowers, and our Dorset and Plymouth Local Group 18 Devon heathlands’ rare lizards and snakes. Our Torbay and South Devon Team 18 conservation staff carry out surveys, advise farmers and fight planning proposals that threaten our most Dorset 19 vulnerable wildlife sites. Their hard work means rare Poole Harbour birdboats 20 & 26 birds such as choughs, cirl buntings and stone-curlews RSPB Arne nature reserve 21 are thriving once again and threatened heathland and RSPB Garston Wood nature reserve 22 chalk grassland are being restored. RSPB Lodmoor nature reserve 23 RSPB Radipole Lake nature reserve 24 & 25 Blackmoor Vale Local Group 36 Make a date with nature . East Dorset Local Group 36 We’re passionate about showing people wildlife, whether Poole Local Group 37 on a boat cruise, visiting our reserves or getting children South Dorset Local Group 37 excited about the natural world. Gloucestershire 38 Nature needs a voice . Westonbirt 39 We believe the environment should be at the top of the RSPB Highnam Woods nature reserve 40 agenda when people plan where to build houses, put RSPB Nagshead nature reserve 41 up windfarms, handle transport problems, put out Gloucestershire Local Group 42 fishing boats or educate children. We never give up. Forest of Dean Wildlife Explorers 42 We get things done, making changes for the better, for wildlife and for people. We also save wildlife around the Guernsey 43 world, from albatrosses in southern oceans to setting up Guernsey Local Group 43 the Harapan rainforest reserve in Sumatra to protect tigers. Somerset 44 RSPB Ham Wall nature reserve 46 Why not add your voice to ours? RSPB West Sedgemoor nature reserve 47 All this would be impossible without the remarkable RSPB Greylake nature reserve 48 support of our million members and 13,500 volunteers. Avalon Marshes Wildlife Explorers 52 Nature is amazing – to add your voice and help us keep it Bath Local Group 52 that way, go to the middle section of this publication or Crewkerne Local Group 53 contact us on 01392 432691. Taunton Local Group 53 Carymoor Wildlife Explorers 54 Weston-super-Mare Local Group 54 Front cover: Robin, Nick Tomlinson Designed by Freeline Graphics 01392 499455 Wiltshire 55 RSPB Winterbourne Downs nature reserve 56 North Wiltshire Local Group 57 South Wiltshire Local Group 57 natures voice 1 RSPB-events-oct-mar-030910:Layout 1 28/09/2010 10:27 Page 2 WELCOME Where to make your date with nature . The South West is a fantastic place. We have 26 nature reserves, two shops, 15 local groups and hundreds of events. Portland Land’s End Before attending any events, always check by phoning the contact number provided because: l Events may be cancelled or changed l There may be specific clothing/footwear requirements l Many of our reserves and events are now suitable for those with limited mobility. Our staff and volunteers are always happy to facilitate, wherever possible. We are continually working to improve access. Further reserve detail is available at www.rspb.org.uk/reserves or by contacting us on Unless otherwise stated, photos from rspb-images.com (Eleanor Bentall, Ben Hall, Andy Hay, David Kjaer) 01392 432691 for the relevant guide. Map references appear as XX 123456. RSPB South West Regional Office, Keble House, Southernhay Gardens, Exeter EX1 1NT Tel: 01392 432691 The RSPB supports and encourages green travel. Contact www.rspb.org.uk Traveline, 0871 200 22 33, or visit www.traveline.org.uk for details of public transport. 2 3 RSPB-events-oct-mar-030910:Layout 1 28/09/2010 10:27 Page 4 Cornwall: What we do We look after the wetlands at Marazion Marsh so that a wide range of wildlife flourishes (and hopefully bitterns may eventually breed). At Hayle, we work to maintain the estuary as a feeding/roosting refuge for waterbirds. • We help to safeguard Cornish choughs - the number of breeding pairs of choughs in the Duchy has steadily increased over the past decade. We work with farmers and many partner organisations including Natural England and the National Trust. • We work with farmers on the north coast to protect a vulnerable population of corn buntings. • We protect the many different seabirds that nest and feed Chough Mike Anders off the coast. The Marine Bill became law last year and we hope will reinforce our work. Make your own date with nature with us in jgh • We also look forward to working with many different Cornwall organisations so that Marine Conservation zones benefit not only birds, but also the county's diverse sea life. Our nature reserves: Marazion Marsh: Overlooks St Michael’s Mount and is Cornwall’s largest reedbed (p 7). Things to do: Cornwall Local Group Hayle Estuary: Regionally important estuary for a wide A friendly, volunteer-led group who hold regular walks, range of migrating and wintering birds. Adjacent to Hayle talks and promote the work of the RSPB. All welcome. town (p 6). Talks: 7.30 pm at Chacewater Village Hall (near Truro). Entry £2. Things to do - a quick snapshot Local group leader: Roger Hooper • In the run up to the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Tel: 01209 820610. choughs' natural return to Cornwall we will be holding E-mail: [email protected] some events in the Lizard and West Penwith areas Website: www.rspbcornwall.org.uk including guided walks and talks. For details e-mail Sorry, event details not available at time of printing. [email protected] or contact Cat Lee-Mar on 01736 711682. • Visit our reserves anytime (details above). • Contact our local group/go to an event (page 5). Chough family Hide at Ryan’s Field, Hayle 4 5 RSPB-events-oct-mar-030910:Layout 1 28/09/2010 10:27 Page 6 Cornwall: Places to go Cornwall: Places to go RSPB Hayle Estuary nature reserve RSPB Marazion Marsh nature reserve A wonderful wildlife haven - the hidden heart of an In some years large flocks of continental starlings arrive historic industrial coastal town. In cold winters, as many and use the reedbeds for roosting overnight. When this as 18,000 birds have been seen here, because this most happens you can witness one of nature’s wonders from south westerly estuary in the UK rarely freezes. the seafront pavement but often the flocks keep on flying to roost in other areas. • Take a leisurely stroll along the King George V Memorial Walk, enjoying close up views of a variety of waterbirds • Enjoy the views overlooking the 'sanctuary area' from the in the heart of Hayle. seafront pavement. • Hide at Ryan’s Field - for views of roosting waterbirds in • Dusk is the time to see a wintering bittern - providing early evening when they are forced off the estuary by the the weather has been cold enough abroad to bring rising tides. Walkable from town. Free car park plus them here. 'What's about' noticeboard. • More than 250 bird, 500 plant, 500 insect and 18 mammal • Look out for a variety of waders and wildfowl including species have been recorded here. teal, wigeon, lapwings, snipe, curlews and oystercatchers. Finding us: SW 510312. Marazion is 2 miles east Finding us: SW 551364. Ryan’s Field car park is 1 mile of Penzance. from Hayle town centre (off B3301). By train: Penzance station is 2 miles away. By train: Stations at Hayle and Lelant Saltings. By bus: Penzance to Marazion service. By bus: St Ives/Hayle service or Penzance/Truro. By bicycle: On National Cycle Network, Route 3. By bicycle: On National Cycle Network, Route 3. Tourist info: Penzance, 01736 362207. Tourist info: Hayle Library, 01736 754399. Contact us: 01736 711682. Contact us: 01736 711682. E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] John Anderson Colin Scott Grey heron Golden plovers 6 7 RSPB-events-oct-mar-030910:Layout 1 28/09/2010 10:27 Page 8 Devon: What we do On our Exe Estuary reserves’ marshes, water levels are carefully controlled and ensure the ditches play host to a huge range of plants and rare insects. At Aylesbeare, Dartford warblers breed and there are newly returned smooth snakes. Local Dartmoor ponies help our habitat work at Labrador Bay by keeping the grass short - essential for cirl buntings. All this reflects the wonderful diversity of the county. Avocet cruise commentary • Advice from the RSPB (supported by Environmental Stewardship) helps farmers bring about a resurgence of Make your own date with nature with us in jgh wildlife including barn owls, bats and insects.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • 4542 the London Gazette, 21 August, 1953
    4542 THE LONDON GAZETTE, 21 AUGUST, 1953 Railway Line by way of an overhead reinforced Standish—Hope Cottage, Gloucester Road, Stone- concrete footbridge with approaches. house. A certified copy of the Order and of the map con- Tirley—Torsend Cottage, Tirley. tained in the Order as confirmed by the Minister has Twigworth—c/o Mr. E. J. Jones, Far End, Twig- been deposited at the Council Offices, Argyle Road* worth. Sevenoaks, and will be open for inspection free of Upton St. Leonards—'Village Hall, Upton St. charge between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. on Leonards. Weekdays and between 9 a.m. and 12 noon on Westbury-on-Severn—Lecture Hall, Westbury-on- Saturday. Severn. The Order becomes operative as from 'the 21st Whitminster—c/o iMr. A. E. Wyer, The Garage, day of August, 1953, but if any person aggrieved Whitminster. by the Order desires to question the validity thereof In exceptional circumstances special arrangements or of any provision contained therein on the grounds will be made for the draft map and statement to be that it is not within the powers of the National Parks inspected out of office hours. and Access to the Countryside Act, 1949, or on the Any objection or representation with respect to ground -that any requirement of the Act or any the draft map or statement may be sent in writ- regulation made thereunder has not been complied ing to the undersigned before the 30th day of April, with in relation to the approval of the Order he 1954, and any such objection or representation should may.
    [Show full text]
  • River Brue's Historic Bridges by David Jury
    River Brue’s Historic Bridges By David Jury The River Brue’s Historic Bridges In his book "Bridges of Britain" Geoffrey Wright writes: "Most bridges are fascinating, many are beautiful, particularly those spanning rivers in naturally attractive settings. The graceful curves and rhythms of arches, the texture of stone, the cold hardness of iron, the stark simplicity of iron, form constant contrasts with the living fluidity of the water which flows beneath." I cannot add anything to that – it is exactly what I see and feel when walking the rivers of Somerset and discover such a bridge. From source to sea there are 58 bridges that span the River Brue, they range from the simple plank bridge to the enormity of the structures that carry the M5 Motorway. This article will look at the history behind some of those bridges. From the river’s source the first bridge of note is Church Bridge in South Brewham, with it’s downstream arch straddling the river between two buildings. Figure 1 - Church Bridge South Brewham The existing bridge is circa 18th century but there was a bridge recorded here in 1258. Reaching Bruton, we find Church Bridge described by John Leland in 1525 as the " Est Bridge of 3 Archys of Stone", so not dissimilar to what we have today, but in 1757 the bridge was much narrower “barely wide enough for a carriage” and was widened on the east side sometime in the early part of the 19th century. Figure 2 - Church Bridge Bruton Close by we find that wonderful medieval Bow Bridge or Packhorse Bridge constructed in the 15th century with its graceful slightly pointed chamfered arch.
    [Show full text]
  • The Stratigraphy and Archaeology of the Late-Glacial and Post
    LATE-GLACIAL AND POST-GLACIAL DEPOSITS AT BREAN DOWN 67 The Stratigraphy and Archreology of the Late-Glacial and Post-Glacial Deposits at Brean Down, Somerset By A. M. ApSIMON, B.A., D. T. DONOVAN, D.Sc., AND H. TAYLOR, M.B., Ch.B. CONTENTS PAGE I. Introduction and Acknowledgements - 67-69 z. Erosion Features on the Down 69 3. Description of the Deposits - 71 Site A. The Sand Cliff - 72 Site B. The"Reindeer Rift" ­ 88 Site C- 90 Site D- 91 Site D' - 93 Site E. The" Cemented Breccia" ­ 93 Site F- 94 4. Interpretation of the Sections 9S S. Correlation - 99 Local Correlation ­ 99 General Correlation 1°4 6. Pottery and Other Artefacts - 1°9 7. The Cemetery 120 8. Conclusions and ArchleOlogical Summary 122 References - 127 Appendix I: Fauna, by R.J. G. Savage 13° Appendix 11: Report on the Soil Samples, by I. W. Cornwall 132 Appendix Ill: Carbon-I4 Age Determinations of the" Solutrean Ameliora­ tion" I. INTRODUCTION The first writer to notice the deposits at Brean Down was the local historian, F. A. Knight, who wrote: "Against the southern side of the down ..• is a great heap of drifted sand, in which human bones are sometimes brought to light by rabbits •.. several complete skeletons have been found"; and .. in the fissures on the south side there have been found many bones and antlers of Reindeer" (Knight, 19°2, pp. 299, 308). Twenty years later Knight's daughter, Mrs. Dutton, published a pamphlet on the Down in which the deposits were again briefly mentioned, although they were referred to as .
    [Show full text]
  • Environment Agency Midlands Region Wetland Sites Of
    LA - M icllanAs <? X En v ir o n m e n t A g e n c y ENVIRONMENT AGENCY MIDLANDS REGION WETLAND SITES OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST REGIONAL MONITORING STRATEGY John Davys Groundwater Resources Olton Court July 1999 E n v i r o n m e n t A g e n c y NATIONAL LIBRARY & INFORMATION SERVICE ANGLIAN REGION Kingfisher House. Goldhay Way. Orton Goldhay, Peterborough PE2 5ZR 1 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................... 3 1.) The Agency's Role in Wetland Conservation and Management....................................................3 1.2 Wetland SSSIs in the Midlands Region............................................................................................ 4 1.3 The Threat to Wetlands....................................................................................................................... 4 1.4 Monitoring & Management of Wetlands...........................................................................................4 1.5 Scope of the Report..............................................................................................................................4 1.6 Structure of the Report.......................................................................................................................5 2 SELECTION OF SITES....................................................................................................................... 7 2.1 Definition of a Wetland Site................................................................................................................7
    [Show full text]
  • TABLE 1: Highly Generalised Key Character Defining Features Of
    TABLE 1: Highly generalised key character defining features of Rackham’s (1986) ‘ancient’ and ‘planned’ countryside (based on Rackham 1986 tabs 1.1 and 1.2, with additions in square brackets) ‘ancient’ countryside (South East and western England) ‘planned’ countryside (Midland England) modern historic modern historic isolated farms, hamlets [farmsteads, hamlets and villages [resulting from villages [resulting from and small towns small towns, derived the 9th-12th century the 9th-12th century from a long history of ‘replanning’] and isolated ‘replanning’] settlement growth and farms [which emerged contraction] after Parliamentary Enclosure as farmers moved closer to their now consolidated landholdings] [enclosed fields, mostly open fields either absent [enclosed fields, mostly strong tradition of open irregular in layout] or of modest extent and rectilinear/planned in fields lasting into the enclosed before c.1700 layout resulting from Enclosure Act period [though recent research, Parliamentary Enclosure] [18th-19th century] including the HLCs in Cornwall and Devon, are challenging this: see Part 3] hedges mainly mixed, not most hedges ancient hedges mainly hawthorn, [very few hedges in a straight and straight [having been landscape of open fields] planted following Parliamentary Enclosure, the plants coming from nurseries] roads many, and not [roads many, and not roads few, and straight [different network of straight straight] [resulting from roads to that created Parliamentary Enclosure] during Parliamentary Enclosure] many public footpaths [many footpaths/rights of few footpaths [different network of way] footpaths/rights of way to that created during Enclosure] many woods, often small many woods, often small woods absent, or few and woods absent, or few large and large TABLE 2: Schematic examples of historic landscape elements, parcels, components, types and areas.
    [Show full text]
  • Tewkesbury Borough Council
    TEWKESBURY BOROUGH COUNCIL rs L::< Council Offices, Gloucester Road, TEWK.ESBUR Y, G L20 5TT W.W . STRACHAN Telephone TEWKESBURY (0684) · 2950 10 B.Sc., M.Sc., M.R.T .P.l. This matter is being dealt with by ....• '.:.~~.: ...~ .~.~ ~.~. ~~.~.. ••........... Ext . .....~}.~ .~---···· Borough Planning Officer Your Ref. Our Ref. JW/RJC/T G.2 775/ K 20t h February , 1987 ~-.. < For information Highnam Court, Highnam ) Outline application for the erection of a retirement village, hotel and opera box including the Highnam Court House and gardens. Construction of a new vehicular and pedestrian access. The above application was considered by Committe on 17th February, 1987. i-, , . Members resolved, after considerable debate, to accept the ' proposals in principle and NOT REFUSE the applica .t i on subject to the application being advertised in the press as a material departure from the provisions of the County Structure Plan and the Gloucester North Environs Local Plan. Proposals will, after advertising, need to be referred to the Department of .the · Environment before any formal determination . • The Department of the ;,. .. ( Environment can either call in the application for their determination or allow the Authority to determine as they see fit. You will be notified when a final decision has been made. ' ~. i )._· Cr-/--~ · ,, [f-~ Agenda Item 4(d) ' Planning Committee . 8' 17th March,1987 . REPORT OF CHIEF OFFICERS MANAGEMENTTEAM ~:' (INITIATED BY BOROUGHPLANNING OFFICER) HIGHNAMCOURT: PROPOSED-RETIREMENTCOMPLEX (Tfr.2775/K) STATEMENTOF BOROUGHCOUNCIL'S SUPPORT . El- Background On 20th February,1987 the Borough Planning Committee elected not to refuse an outline application for the erection of a retirement village, hotel and opera box at the above site.
    [Show full text]
  • Land South of Oakridge, Highnam, Gloucestershire, Gl2 8Ef Application Ref: 16/00486/Out
    Our ref: PCU/APP/G1630/W/3184272 David Jones Your ref: 13475 Evans Jones Ltd Royal Mews St. Georges Place Cheltenham Gloucestershire 20 December 2018 G50 3PQ Dear Sir, TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT 1990 – SECTION 78 APPEAL MADE BY R KEENE AND SONS LAND SOUTH OF OAKRIDGE, HIGHNAM, GLOUCESTERSHIRE, GL2 8EF APPLICATION REF: 16/00486/OUT 1. I am directed by the Secretary of State to say that consideration has been given to the report of H Baugh-Jones BA (Hons) DipLA MA CMLI, who held a public local inquiry on 22-25 May 2018 into your client’s appeal against the decision of Tewkesbury Borough Council to refuse your client’s application for outline planning permission for the erection of 40 dwellings with all matters reserved except access, in accordance with application ref: 16/00486/OUT, dated 3 May 2016. 2. On 4 July 2018, this appeal was recovered for the Secretary of State's determination, in pursuance of section 79 of, and paragraph 3 of Schedule 6 to, the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. Inspector’s recommendation and summary of the decision 3. The Inspector recommended that the appeal be dismissed, and planning permission refused. 4. For the reasons given below, the Secretary of State agrees with the Inspector’s conclusions, and agrees with his recommendation. He has decided to dismiss the appeal and refuse planning permission. A copy of the Inspector’s report (IR) is enclosed. All references to paragraph numbers, unless otherwise stated, are to that report. Procedural matters 5. On 26 October 2018, Government published “Technical consultation on updates to national planning policy and guidance”, dealing with the calculation of Local Housing Need and other matters.
    [Show full text]
  • Notes on Birds in the Severn and Avon Vales (The “Severn Hams”), Gloucestershire and South Worcestershire April – June 2007
    Notes on birds in the Severn and Avon Vales (the “Severn Hams”), Gloucestershire and south Worcestershire April – June 2007 General introduction The main sites are (from the north): Upton Ham (Worcs): the Upper Ham, a hay meadow south of the town, is an SSSI and is the best conserved of the riverside hams in botanical terms; south of the old railway embankment is the Lower Ham; across the river is Ryall Gravel Pit, still being exploited, and a magnet for many waterbirds, notably waders. Longdon Marsh (Worcs), a nearly enclosed basin north of the M50 motorway, flowing via Bushley Brook to the Severn above Tewkesbury. Avon Meadows (on either side of the Avon north of Tewkesbury), along the border between Gloucestershire and Worcestershire, and including: the restored gravel pits at Bredon’s Hardwick (Worcs); Upham Meadow (sometimes called the “Great Hay Meadow”) and Summer Leasow at Twyning (Glos); Rectory Farm Meadows, a botanical SSSI across the Avon from Upham Meadow (Worcs); Strensham Pits, sludge pools below the waterworks at Strensham (Worcs); further north along the Avon is Gwen Finch Worcestershire Wildlife Trust Reserve near Nafford (Worcs), an area of shallow lakes by the Avon. Just to the east is Kemerton Lake (Worcs), a restored gravel pit in the valley of the Carrant Brook, which flows through Cowfield Marsh into the Avon just above Tewkesbury. The “Severn Hams” proper, between Tewkesbury and Gloucester, in which the main wetland areas are: Ashleworth and Hasfield Hams; Coombe Hill Canal and Meadows (including Cobney Meadows at the western end); and the Leigh Meadows alongside the River Chelt and Leigh Brook above Wainlodes.
    [Show full text]
  • Weymouth Fcrm Scheme Strategic Outline Case
    WEYMOUTH FCRM SCHEME STRATEGIC OUTLINE CASE Recommendation This Strategic Outline Case (SOC) submission is recommended for assurance and approval to enable detailed appraisal and outline design of a comprehensive flood and coastal risk management (FCRM) scheme for Weymouth in Dorset. Initial project approval of £1,600k is sought to enable lead-in activities pursuant to the submission of an Outline Business Case (OBC). It is anticipated that this will be expended over 3 years from 2021 to 2023 and be funded by Dorset Council. Funding and implementation of all phases of the Weymouth scheme over the next 100 years is estimated to be approximately £52m Present Value (PV), which will provide substantial flood and coast risk benefit estimated to be £470m PV with a Benefit Cost Ratio of approximately 9 : 1. It is anticipated that the delivery of this much needed scheme will also be a catalyst for regeneration and public realm enhancement, the combined benefits of which will significantly improve the lives and wellbeing of people residing, working and visiting Weymouth. This regeneration will unlock third party funding and reduce the burden on the taxpayer. Without adequate plans and strategies to adapt to flood and coastal risk, for which this proposed scheme is a major component, future development will be severely constrained. Based on available information it is understood that over 1,000 properties are at coastal flood risk (‘moderate’ and ‘intermediate’) in the present day, rising to over 1,400 (mostly ‘very significant’) properties by 2120 as a consequence of climate change. The data quality score and robustness of the affected properties requires refinement and improvement through the development of this scheme.
    [Show full text]
  • Natural Natural
    CLUB SITES HURN LANE & BATH CHEW VALLEY Hurn Lane’s nearest crowd-puller is a makeover for Weston’s second pier, LEFT: A view from Brean Leisure Park, which offers more than Birnbeck Pier, at Anchor Head. on top of the 30 funfair rides and other attractions, Our second site, the well-established Mendip Hills ABOVE: Bath’s including indoor and outdoor swimming Bath Chew Valley Caravan Park, joined the famous Roman pools, live shows, bars, restaurants and an Club fold recently as an Affiliated Site. baths and abbey 18-hole golf course. Further afield, Animal Hidden amid quiet lanes at the edge of Farm Adventure Park has a variety of Bishop Sutton, it is much smaller than activities for younger children. Hurn Lane. With delightful pitches – Burnham-on-Sea, a quiet Victorian increasing from 35 to 45 by the end of May resort that has seen better days, has an – set among lawns, shrubs and flower beds esplanade, the shortest leisure pier in (there’s even a pond of koi carp), it has a Britain and three lighthouses. One, real ‘garden’ feel which, along with the >> the Round Tower, reduced to half its original size and inactive since 1832, is on the esplanade, while the others, the INFORMATION TOURISM High and Low lighthouses, are at the I Bath TIC, Abbey Chambers, Abbey Church Yard, Bath BA1 NATURAL northern end of town. NATURAL 1LY. Tel 0906 711 2000 or email [email protected] The High lighthouse, 99ft tall, was Burnham-on-Sea TIC, South Esplanade, Burnham-on-Sea difficult for mariners to see at low tide, so TA8 1BU.
    [Show full text]
  • The Vegetation of the Severn/Avon Vale Floodplain Meadows
    Natural England Commissioned Report NECR052 The vegetation of the Severn/Avon Vale Floodplain Meadows First published 16 September 2010 www.naturalengland.org.uk Foreword Natural England commission a range of reports from external contractors to provide evidence and advice to assist us in delivering our duties. The views in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of Natural England. Background The National Vegetation Classification (NVC) To assess and describe the floodplain identifies and describes different types of plant vegetation on the Gloucester and communities in Britain. It is a working tool that Worcestershire SSSIs within the Severn/Avon provides a framework to support land Vale in terms of their NVC communities using management, conservation and monitoring. existing quadrat data. Vegetation systems are complex and the To identify stands of vegetation that conform classification cannot be comprehensive. to MG4 as described in the published NVC However, as more data and information (Rodwell 1992) or to other forms of MG4 becomes available it can be refined and vegetation recently described by the developed. Floodplain Meadows Partnership and which are not described in the NVC. The grassland community known as MG4 grassland is found on seasonally flooded land The report identified four forms of MG4 as being that has traditionally been cut for hay. With present in the Severn/Avon Vale as well as a improvements to grassland productivity and to range of related floodplain vegetation types. river drainage this community is now very Conservation objectives for SSSIs with notified restricted. MG4 interest in the Severn & Avon Vales will be revised to reflect these local varieties and the Many of the Site of Special Scientific Interest findings are being published in order to (SSSI) grasslands within the Severn & Avon contribute to the ongoing re-assessment of the Vale have been notified for their species-rich vegetation of floodplain grasslands including MG4 communities.
    [Show full text]
  • Somerset Geology-A Good Rock Guide
    SOMERSET GEOLOGY-A GOOD ROCK GUIDE Hugh Prudden The great unconformity figured by De la Beche WELCOME TO SOMERSET Welcome to green fields, wild flower meadows, farm cider, Cheddar cheese, picturesque villages, wild moorland, peat moors, a spectacular coastline, quiet country lanes…… To which we can add a wealth of geological features. The gorge and caves at Cheddar are well-known. Further east near Frome there are Silurian volcanics, Carboniferous Limestone outcrops, Variscan thrust tectonics, Permo-Triassic conglomerates, sediment-filled fissures, a classic unconformity, Jurassic clays and limestones, Cretaceous Greensand and Chalk topped with Tertiary remnants including sarsen stones-a veritable geological park! Elsewhere in Mendip are reminders of coal and lead mining both in the field and museums. Today the Mendips are a major source of aggregates. The Mesozoic formations curve in an arc through southwest and southeast Somerset creating vales and escarpments that define the landscape and clearly have influenced the patterns of soils, land use and settlement as at Porlock. The church building stones mark the outcrops. Wilder country can be found in the Quantocks, Brendon Hills and Exmoor which are underlain by rocks of Devonian age and within which lie sunken blocks (half-grabens) containing Permo-Triassic sediments. The coastline contains exposures of Devonian sediments and tectonics west of Minehead adjoining the classic exposures of Mesozoic sediments and structural features which extend eastward to the Parrett estuary. The predominance of wave energy from the west and the large tidal range of the Bristol Channel has resulted in rapid cliff erosion and longshore drift to the east where there is a full suite of accretionary landforms: sandy beaches, storm ridges, salt marsh, and sand dunes popular with summer visitors.
    [Show full text]