2020 North Waltham Pond Ecology Survey

North Waltham Pond

Carmen Green October 2020

Acknowledgements

Arcadian Ecology & Consulting Ltd were contracted by Rosemary Coulter of North Waltham Parish Council to deliver this work.

Publication Details

This document should be cited as: Green, C. (2020) Pond Survey and Management Plan: North Waltham Pond. Arcadian Ecology & Consulting Ltd, Curdridge.

Arcadian Ecology & Consulting Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.

Maps reproduced under Ordnance Survey licence no. 100015632 with the permission of Her Majesty's Stationery Office, Crown Copyright 2020. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings.

Front Cover: North Waltham Pond by Carmen Green

Published by: Arcadian Ecology & Consulting Ltd. Beechcroft House Vicarage Lane Curdridge Hampshire SO32 2DP

A company Ltd by guarantee & registered in England No. 10033962.

All assessments and recommendations provided are based on the information available to Arcadian Ecology & Consulting Ltd (Arcadian Ecology), and Arcadian Ecology endeavours to ensure all advice is accurate and appropriate at the time of publication. However, it is the sole responsibility of the recipient to ensure that any actions they take are both legally and contractually compliant, and Arcadian Ecology does not accept responsibility or liability for any losses incurred or arising from the advice we provide.

No part of this document may be reproduced without permission. Information contained in this report is intended for North Waltham Parish Council. Records of protected and notable species may be forwarded to relevant recording organisations with site names removed. All other information in this report should not be passed on to any third party without the express permission of North Waltham Parish Council and Arcadian Ecology. For information on how to obtain further copies of this document and accompanying data please contact Arcadian Ecology: [email protected]

Document Control

Version Author name Date Signed off by Date

Draft Carmen Green 08.10.2020 Deborah Whitfield 21.10.2020 Final Carmen Green 22.10.2020 Deborah Whitfield 22.10.2020 Pond Survey and Management Plan: North Waltham Pond

Executive Summary

Arcadian Ecology & Consulting Ltd (Arcadian Ecology) were appointed by North Waltham Parish Council to undertake a survey and assessment of the pond to determine the biodiversity value and water quality based on species present, and the potential for protected species in order to identify opportunities to enhance the pond for wildlife and inform a management plan.

North Waltham Pond is located in a rural location in the village of North Waltham in Hampshire (SU 56229 46222). There is some marginal vegetation at the edges of the pond as well as trees and shrubs. It is surrounded by a lawn of amenity grassland and roads. The immediate surroundings consist of residential housing with associated gardens in all directions.

The survey, conducted on the 28th September 2020, was undertaken to assess the habitats and species to inform a management plan with recommendations for enhancements of the pond.

Currently, the pond is considered to be of low biodiversity value and water quality appears to be relatively poor in terms of clarity and oxygen levels due to detritus build up and a lack of oxygenating plants. However, North Waltham pond has the potential to support a range of both common and protected species. With appropriate management and enhancement, the pond can be a valuable resource for supporting a range of wildlife, providing shelter and foraging resources. The management plan has been developed from the findings of the survey. The vision for the pond is to enhance and create a variety of habitats which supports biodiversity, whilst creating a peaceful and aesthetically pleasing environment for visitors and residents. A number of recommendations have been provided which include enhancing existing habitat and features to benefit biodiversity as well as creating new habitats for wildlife.

Key recommendations include planting of native species to encourage wildlife. This could include a mixture of bankside vegetation, marginal plants, tall emergents, floating and submerged plants. In addition, the willow tree that is overhanging the pond could be trimmed back to reduce the amount of leaf litter entering the pond. The grassland around the pond could also be enhanced by planting a variety of wildflowers to attract pollinating insects.

It is recognised that the pond was initially created in 2008 and therefore, it may be necessary to replace the liner or use an alternative puddled clay method. With appropriate planting, a new liner would become less visible over time. Puddled clay is more aesthetically pleasing overall but requires a skilled contractor to carry out the works and is more labour intensive. Putting clay over the top of the existing liner has been discussed but it is likely that it would not stick for very long and would only be a temporary solution. Therefore, it is advised that the best course of action would be to replace the liner or use puddled clay to re-line the pond.

If the pond liner is replaced, then it is recommended that this is done prior to any management activities taking place. The dredging works to empty the pond and remove silt should be carried out between late autumn to winter when amphibians and aquatic invertebrates are unlikely to be present in ponds (typically November to January inclusive). Any machinery used during the works should avoid impacting on terrestrial habitat and the silt removed from the pond should not be deposited on any areas that may be used by wildlife.

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Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION ...... 5 1.1. Background ...... 5 1.2. Site Description ...... 5 1.3. Remit and Scope of the Report ...... 5 2. METHODOLOGY ...... 6 2.1. Background data search ...... 6 2.2. Phase 1 Habitat Survey ...... 6 2.3. Phase 1 Protected/ Notable Species Assessment ...... 6 2.3.1. Amphibians ...... 6 2.3.2. Bat ...... 6 2.3.3. Birds ...... 6 2.3.4. Reptiles ...... 7 2.3.5. Invertebrates ...... 7 3. RESULTS ...... 8 3.1. Background Data Search...... 8 3.1.1. Protected and notable species ...... 8 3.1.2. Statutory and non-statutory designated sites ...... 8 3.2. Habitat Assessment ...... 8 3.3. Phase 1 Protected/ Notable Species Assessment ...... 8 3.3.1. General ...... 8 3.3.2. Amphibians ...... 9 3.3.3. Bat ...... 9 3.3.4. Birds ...... 9 3.3.5. Reptiles ...... 9 3.3.6. Invertebrates ...... 10 5. RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 11 6. REFERENCES ...... 16

MAPS

Map 1: Site Location

PHOTOGRAPHS

APPENDICES

Appendix 1: Botanical species list compiled during Phase 1 habitat survey with a qualitative measure of abundance based on DAFOR scale Appendix 2: Suitable Planting Schemes Appendix 3: Annual Work Plan Appendix 4: Long-term Work Plan

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Background Arcadian Ecology & Consulting Ltd (Arcadian Ecology) were appointed by North Waltham Parish Council to undertake a survey and assessment of the pond to determine the biodiversity value and water quality based on the species present and the potential for protected species in order to identify opportunities to enhance the pond for wildlife and inform a management plan.

1.2. Site Description North Waltham Pond is located in a rural location in the village of North Waltham in Hampshire (SU 56229 46222; Map 1). There is some marginal vegetation at the edges of the pond as well as trees and shrubs. It is surrounded by a lawn of amenity grassland and roads.

The immediate surroundings consist of residential housing with associated gardens in all directions. In the wider landscape, the town of Basingstoke is to the north-east and the M3 motorway is to the south- east. There are extensive areas of arable fields and grazed pasture in all directions as well as large blocks of woodland, particularly to the south and west.

1.3. Remit and Scope of the Report This report details the findings of the survey and assessment of the pond to determine the biodiversity value and water quality based on the species present and the potential for protected species. It also provides recommendations on how the pond could be managed and enhanced to benefit wildlife. The management plan has been developed from the findings of the survey with the vision of creating a variety of habitats which support biodiversity whilst creating a peaceful and aesthetically pleasing environment for visitors and residents.

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2. METHODOLOGY

2.1. Background data search A data search using the Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside website (www.magic.gov.uk) was made for statutory (those that are internationally and nationally important sites for ecology) sites designated for nature conservation within 1km of the site boundary. This search included Special Protection Area (SPAs), Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Ramsars, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), National Nature Reserves (NNRs) and Local Nature Reserves (LNRs).

The background data search was carried out using Hampshire Biodiversity Information Centre’s protected and notable species layer for records within 2km of North Waltham pond.

2.2. Phase 1 Habitat Survey An extended Phase 1 habitat survey was conducted on 28th September 2020 by Carmen Green (ACIEEM) of Arcadian Ecology & Consulting Ltd.

A walkover survey of the pond was undertaken, to assess its potential to support protected and notable species. A plant species list was also compiled; this list will not give every species found on the site, but will give a representation of the diversity, significance and dominance of plant species found within the survey area.

Plant nomenclature in this report follows Rose (1989; 2006) for native and naturalised species of vascular plant. Plant names in the text are given with the common names first, followed by the scientific name in italics. Where there is a degree of doubt in the identification of a plant, ‘cf.’ precedes the specific epithet to signify the plant is very probably the species indicated, but it was not possible to distinguish it from similar members of the genus with certainty.

2.3. Phase 1 Protected/ Notable Species Assessment An assessment of the habitats described in Section 3.2 for their potential to support protected and notable species was made for the following species/ groups: amphibians, bats, breeding and Schedule 1 bird species, widespread reptile species and invertebrates. Details of the species-specific survey methods are given below.

2.3.1. Amphibians An assessment of the site to support amphibians was based on the presence of ponds, the connectivity of the habitat, and presence of suitable features/ habitats for amphibians during their terrestrial phase, particularly features suitable for hibernation such as log and rubble piles.

2.3.2. Bat An assessment was made of the suitability of trees and features within or on the site boundary to support roosting bats. This involved consideration of the age and condition of the tree, and identifying features that roosting bats may favour (e.g. holes, cracks and cavities that might be used as entrance points or roost sites). Features with potential for roosting bats were noted, including woodpecker holes, rot cavities, splits, cracks, flaking bark and thick-stemmed or matted climbing plants.

An assessment was also made of the suitability of the site and the surrounding landscape to support foraging and/ or commuting bat species. All assessments conformed to current Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) guidelines (Collins 2016).

2.3.3. Birds The assessment of the potential of the site for breeding birds was based on the suitability of the habitats present, evidence of nesting such as old or currently active nests, and the presence of bird species that may potentially nest within the available habitat.

The site was also assessed for its potential to support important assemblages of notable wintering birds and/ or birds listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).

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2.3.4. Reptiles The site was assessed for reptiles, with particular attention paid to those features that provide suitable basking areas (e.g. south-facing slopes), hibernation sites (e.g. banks, walls, piles of rotting vegetation) and opportunities for foraging (rough grassland and scrub).

The site was assessed for its suitability for each of the four widespread reptile species. Specific habitat requirements differ between species. Common lizards Lacerta vivipara use a variety of habitats from woodland glades to walls and pastures, although one of their favoured habitats is rough grassland. Slow-worms Anguis fragilis use similar habitats to common lizards, and are often found in rank grassland, gardens and derelict land. Grass snakes Natrix helvetica also have broadly similar requirements, with a greater reliance on ponds and wetlands where they prey on common frogs Rana temporaria. Adders Vipera berus use a range of fairly open habitats with some cover, but are most often found in dry heath (Beebee & Griffiths, 2000).

2.3.5. Invertebrates An assessment was made of the site for its potential value to support diverse communities of terrestrial and/ or aquatic invertebrates, or any protected, notable or BAP species. The assessment was made based on the presence of suitable habitat features such as an abundance of dead wood, the presence of diverse plant communities, the presence of a varied woodland structure and sunny woodland edges with a diverse flora, presence of ponds and water courses and the presence of free draining soil exposures. During the Phase 1 habitat survey, no attempt was made to comprehensively identify the range of species present, though where encountered, ad hoc sightings were noted.

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3. RESULTS

3.1. Background Data Search 3.1.1. Protected and notable species A background data search was carried out using Hampshire Biodiversity Information Centre’s protected and notable species layer for records within 2km of North Waltham pond. A summary of the results is provided in Table 1.

Table 1. Background data search results Group Number of Species Amphibians 1 Reptiles 1 Birds 18 Higher plants - Flowering plants 5 Invertebrates - Lepidoptera 20 Mammals - Terrestrial (bats) 7 Mammals - Terrestrial (non-bats) 5

3.1.2. Statutory and non-statutory designated sites There are no statutory designated sites within 2km and no non-statutory designated sites (SINCs) within 1km of North Waltham pond.

3.2. Habitat Assessment The survey area consists of a small pond within the village of North Waltham. The pond is lined; quite turbid and silty, with shallow, muddy banks and supporting no visible submerged, emerging or floating vegetation. As such, the water quality in terms of clarity and oxygen levels is likely to be low. At the edges, there is some planted marginal vegetation with species including meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria, Mediterranean spurge Euphorbia characias, mugwort Artemisia vulgaris, nettle Urtica dioica, pendulous sedge Carex pendula, sunflower Helianthus species, white dead-nettle Lamium album, yarrow Achillea millefolium and yellow flag iris Iris pseudacorus. The northern edge of the pond is more disturbed by wildfowl and comprises bare mud with scattered knotgrass Polygonum aviculare.

Surrounding the pond is a lawn of amenity grassland dominated by perennial ryegrass Lolium perenne with smaller amounts of annual meadow-grass Poa annua. There is a low diversity of common herbs in low levels of abundance including creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens, greater plantain Plantago major, ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata and silverweed Argentina anserina. At the edges of the pond, the sward becomes taller with species present including false oat-grass Arrhenatherum elatius, ox-eye daisy Leucanthemum vulgare and wild carrot Daucus carota. Along the eastern edge of the pond there is a large Salix tree overhanging the pond and two cherry Prunus trees as well as hawthorn Crataegus monogyna shrub covered with ivy Hedera helix.

3.3. Phase 1 Protected/ Notable Species Assessment 3.3.1. General Based on the Phase 1 habitat survey, the site is considered to contain habitat potentially suitable for the following species:

• Amphibians; • Bats; • Breeding birds; • Reptiles (widespread species); and • Invertebrates.

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3.3.2. Amphibians North Waltham pond offers some suitable breeding locations for common amphibians. The marginal vegetation and scrub offer some limited terrestrial habitat for amphibians for shelter and movement around the landscape. There are records of common toad Bufo bufo within 2km of the site. However, since there are no other ponds within North Waltham and it is surrounded by roads and housing, the pond is quite isolated and therefore, it is unlikely that amphibians are present.

A habitat suitability index (HSI) of the pond gave a score of 0.32 which is poor suitability to support great crested newts (Table 2). The presence of waterfowl in the pond significantly reduces its suitability due to the damage and disturbance of the pond, reducing water quality and negatively impacting pond vegetation. In addition, there is limited suitable terrestrial habitat immediately surrounding the pond and no aquatic vegetation for egg-laying, further reducing its suitability for great crested newts.

It should be noted that the habitat suitability index (HSI) for great crested newts only gives a rough indication of suitability of ponds for great crested newts and is not sufficiently precise to conclude that any particular pond with a high score will support newts, or that any pond with a low score will not do so (Oldham et al., 2000).

Table 2. Habitat suitability index (HSI) for great crested newts Field score SI

Location A 1 Pond Area 180m2 0.35 Pond Drying Rarely 1 Water Quality Poor 0.33 Shade 40% 1 Fowl Major 0.01 Fish Absent 1 Ponds 0 0.1 Terrestrial Habitat Poor 0.33 Macrophytes 0% 0.3

Score 0.32

Suitability Poor

3.3.3. Bat No evidence of the presence of bats was recorded during the Phase 1 habitat survey. An assessment of the trees on site was carried out. No features with the potential for roosting bats (such as cavities, woodpecker holes and knot holes) were identified.

The pond, trees and shrubs provide some commuting and foraging habitat for bats on site. These also connect to other areas of suitable foraging habitat in the wider landscape.

3.3.4. Birds A couple of abandoned bird eggs were found during the survey and are likely to be those of Canada goose Branta canadensis based on the size. In addition, the trees and scrub provide suitable nesting opportunities and the pond and lawn provides foraging habitat for a number of common species of bird. Only mallard ducks Anas platyrhynchos were observed during the survey. This species is listed on the amber list of Birds of Conservation Concern.

3.3.5. Reptiles No evidence of the presence of reptiles was recorded during the Phase 1 habitat survey.

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There are very limited foraging and sheltering opportunities at North Waltham pond due to the isolation of the site by roads and lack of vegetation to provide suitable cover. However, there are records of slow-worm Anguis fragilis within 2km of the site.

3.3.6. Invertebrates No protected/ notable invertebrates were observed during the Phase 1 habitat survey. The trees, shrubs and marginal vegetation offer foraging and sheltering opportunities for common and widespread invertebrate species including butterflies, bumblebees and beetles. However, there is limited suitable vegetation within the pond to support aquatic invertebrate species such as dragonflies and damselflies, water boatmen and caddisflies. No aquatic invertebrate species were observed during the walkover survey.

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5. RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the results of the survey, the site is considered to be of low ecological value in its current state but has the potential to be of significantly greater value through habitat enhancement and management measures. Suitable objectives and actions have been developed that will enhance the biodiversity interest of North Waltham pond. The management recommendations are aimed at maintaining the biodiversity of the site in the future.

It should be noted that if any tree works or clearance of vegetation is required, this should be undertaken outside of the bird nesting season (February to August inclusive) to avoid causing death or injury to nesting birds, their eggs and young, and the damage or disturbance of nests and nesting sites. If this is not feasible, a suitably experienced ecologist should be employed immediately preceding the works to carefully check for the presence of breeding birds and/ or their nests at the proposed site, and works may commence if none are found.

A management plan outlining the biodiversity actions for North Waltham pond is detailed in Table 3. The table is divided into 5 main columns; Objective, Action, Outcome, Targets and Monitoring Action. Objectives are the overall aim of undertaking the action, actions are the key activities that need to be undertaken, outcomes are the benefits to biodiversity that will be achieved, the targets are the steps that need to be fulfilled by the end of the stated years, and the monitoring action identifies how progress towards the final objective is going to be assessed. Some targets also include management suggestions on how best to achieve the target, these should be incorporated into the management plan for the site.

At the time of survey, the water level in the pond was high but has been reported to drop. Water levels in ponds naturally rise and fall over the course of a year and many aquatic and amphibious species are adapted to this occurrence (https://freshwaterhabitats.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/What-to-do- if-your-pond-is-drying-out1-1.pdf). However, if levels remain unusually low for a long period of time, then it may be necessary to top the pond up using harvested rain water. Improving the vegetation structure of the pond will also enable more species to survive periods of drought.

If the pond liner is replaced entirely, then it is recommended that this is done prior to any management activities take place. The dredging works to empty the pond and remove silt should be carried out between late autumn to winter when amphibians and aquatic invertebrates are unlikely to be present in ponds (typically November to January inclusive). Any machinery used during the works should avoid impacting on terrestrial habitat and the silt removed from the pond should not be deposited on any areas that may be used by wildlife.

Mallards and a duck house were observed during the survey. A small number of wild ducks are unlikely to have a significant negative impact on other wildlife in the pond and water quality, and if the pond is designed in such a way to have areas of emergent vegetation which ducks do not favour, the two can co-exist without significant adverse effects. A large duck population, however, can be a problem. Feeding of ducks with bread should be discouraged due to concerns over welfare and nutrient enrichment, as well increasing sediment churn. Therefore, it is recommended that only feeding of the ducks with appropriate bird food is carried out and over feeding is discouraged. This information could be included on an interpretation board by the pond.

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Table 3. Biodiversity actions for North Waltham pond TARGET (YEARS) MONITORING PRIORITY OBJECTIVE ACTION OUTCOME 1- 2 3 – 5 6 – 10 ACTION Maintain and Maintain and Improved water A pond containing a mix of As previous Carry out High enhance existing enhance pond quality and floral botanical species that attract vegetation habitats for diversity a range of wildlife including survey at 3-5 wildlife aquatic invertebrates such as year intervals dragonflies and damselflies. It will act an attractive feature obscuring any views of the pond liner that is currently visible at the edges.

Management: Planting of native aquatic species in and around the pond. This should include a mixt of bankside vegetation, marginal plants, tall emergents, floating and submerged plants. A list of suitable aquatic plant species can be found in Appendix 2.

Light pruning of overhanging willow tree to reduce leaf litter entering the pond and allow more sunlight in, increasing the biodiversity of aquatic vegetation. Ensure that there is never more than 60% shade of the pond.

Regular maintenance of the aquatic vegetation including removing any dead plants or excessive weeds/ vegetation growth to allow a mix of species to flourish without any becoming dominant. Dead heading to promote the production of flowers. Remove all cuttings.

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TARGET (YEARS) MONITORING PRIORITY OBJECTIVE ACTION OUTCOME 1- 2 3 – 5 6 – 10 ACTION Enhance areas of Habitat for Areas of longer grass and Grassland with a Grassland with a Carry out High grassland around invertebrates, wildflowers with no large mixture of grass and mixture of grass and vegetation pond such as bees and ruderal species such as native wildflowers native wildflowers survey at 3-5 butterflies as well nettle, docks and thistles. with no dominant with no dominant year intervals as reptiles and species. species. small mammals Management: Carry out Year 1: Cut grass in March Management: Management: surveys for Area for then leave to grow over the Year 3: Cut twice – Continue annual invertebrates residents/ visitors summer. In autumn remove once in late March/ mowing regime, such as to enjoy nature any weeds & cut. If not very early April, & once in mowing alternate butterflies species diverse, seed with a late August/ early strips on a rotational and wildflower mix. Do not leave September. basis, removing the bumblebees cut grass in-situ. From Year 4: Adopt cut grass from the an annual mowing area and not cutting Year 2: Cut when height regime – cutting once below 5cm between 10-15cm, then in late August/ early every 6 to 8 weeks, always September. Vary the removing the grass. Do not time of the cut each cut below 5cm. Avoid cutting year to allow late- during main flowering period flowering plants to set (mid-May to July). seeds in some years. Remove any large weeds. Remove grass cuttings from area. Community Communicate Residents/ Interpretation board designed Repair or replace as High engagement wildlife visitors engaged and installed. necessary management and supportive of intentions to wildlife residents/ visitors management of via local parish pond newsletter and/ or pondside interpretation board Creating space Creation of a To enhance Sow a small wildflower Grassland with a Grassland with a Carry out Low for wildlife wildflower area floristic diversity meadow on the green by the mixture of grass and mixture of grass and baseline of site and pond and maintain with native wildflowers native wildflowers survey to provide pollen appropriate cutting regime to with no dominant with no dominant check and nectar create areas of long grass species. species. establishment and wildflowers with no large

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TARGET (YEARS) MONITORING PRIORITY OBJECTIVE ACTION OUTCOME 1- 2 3 – 5 6 – 10 ACTION sources for ruderal species such as Management: Management: of meadow invertebrates nettle, docks and thistles. Year 3: Cut twice – Continue annual plant species once in late March/ mowing regime, Plant native wildflower early April, & once in mowing alternate Carry out species such as common late August/ early strips on a rotational surveys for knapweed, oxeye daisy, red September. basis, removing the invertebrates campion and selfheal. This From Year 4: Adopt cut grass from the such as could be created using a an annual mowing area and not cutting butterflies seed mixture such those by regime – cutting once below 5cm and Emorsgate in late August/ early bumblebees (https://wildseed.co.uk/home), September. Vary the bee bombs or by using plug time of the cut each plants. year to allow late- flowering plants to set Management: seeds in some years. Year 1: Late summer cut to Repeated cutting of no less than 5cm, then nettlebed and ruderal removal of cut material to vegetation. keep nutrient levels low and encourage wildflower growth Remove grass and seed germination. In cuttings from area. autumn remove any weeds & cut. Mow alternate strips on a rotational basis Year 2: Cut when height with some areas left between 10-15cm, then uncut so that any every 6 to 8 weeks, always animals that are removing the grass. disturbed during the mowing have a safe Repeated cutting of nettlebed refuge to retreat to. and ruderal vegetation to prevent these from dominating and out- competing the grasses and wildflowers. Planting of Provisioning of Bulb planting could be carried As previous Low perennial bulbs additional habitat out beneath the trees and and a food shrubs at the edges of the resource for a pond. range of invertebrate and

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TARGET (YEARS) MONITORING PRIORITY OBJECTIVE ACTION OUTCOME 1- 2 3 – 5 6 – 10 ACTION bird species. Species could include Snowdrops in bluebell, daffodil and particular can snowdrops. provide a late winter nectar and Management: pollen source for Regular management of early-emerging grass and weeds around bulb pollinators planting.

Erection of a bird To provide A standard bird box should be Any damaged boxes As previous Carry out Low box additional nesting installed on the willow tree by should be replaced annual bird opportunities on the pond. box checks. the site for Data breeding birds Position the box 2-4m above submitted to ground, angled north and BTO nest east (away from prevailing Record winds) and tilted forwards Scheme, and slightly. Wildlife Trust.

The box should be checked once a year during the late autumn/ winter to remove old bedding. Provision of log Increased habitat Creation of a log pile at the Low piles for invertebrates base of the trees and shrubs. and small mammals as well Use logs from broad-leaved as providing trees of varying sizes. These hibernation should be partially buried in habitat for the ground in a semi-shaded amphibians and area (i.e. somewhere warm reptiles should enough for insects but not they colonise in exposed to prolonged the future sunlight which can dry out the wood). Provision of Increased habitat Install invertebrate house in Repair or replace as As previous Low invertebrate for invertebrates sunny location on a tree, necessary houses fence or wall near to bee- friendly vegetation. Ensure there is no vegetation blocking the entrance.

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6. REFERENCES

• CIEEM. (2013). Code of Professional Conduct. CIEEM. • Oldham, R.S., Keeble, J., Swan, M.J.S. & Jeffcote, M. (2000). Evaluating the suitability of habitat for Great Crest Newt (Triturus cristatus). Herpetological Journal 10(4), 143-155 • Rose, F. (1989). Colour identification guide to the grasses, sedges, rushes and ferns of the British Isles and north-western Europe. Viking, London. • Rose, F. (2006). The wildflower key: how to identify wild flowers, trees and shrubs in Britain and Ireland (revised edition). Fredrick Warne, London. • RSPB Wild birds and the law. [Online] Available at: http://www.rspb.org.uk/forprofessionals/policy/wildbirdslaw/birdsandlaw/wca/index.aspx [accessed 7th October 2020]. • RSPB Red, amber and green explained. [Online] Available at: http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/discoverandlearn/birdguide/status_explained.aspx [accessed 7th October 2020].

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PHOTOGRAPHS

Pond Survey and Management Plan: North Waltham Pond

Photograph 1: North Waltham pond, facing north

Photograph 2: North Waltham pond, facing south

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Photograph 3: North Waltham pond, facing west

Photograph 4: Canada goose eggs at the edge of the pond

Arcadian Ecology & Consulting Ltd 21 APPENDICES

Appendix 1: Botanical species list compiled during Phase 1 habitat survey with a qualitative measure of abundance based on DAFOR scale

Appendix 1. Botanical species list compiled during Phase 1 habitat survey with a qualitative measure of abundance based on DAFOR scale

The DAFOR scale provides an assessment of the abundance of particular species. D = Dominant, A = Abundant, F = Frequent, O = Occasional, R = Rare. Species can also be Locally Dominant (LD) or Locally Abundant (LA) meaning there is a particularly dense patch but it does not extend to an entire area, for example a nettle bed.

Amenity Pond Trees and Scientific name Common name grassland margins shrubs Grasses, sedges and rushes Poa annua annual meadow-grass O Arrhenatherum elatius false-oat grass O Carex pendula pendulous sedge O Lolium perenne perennial rye-grass D Herbs Geum sp. avens species R Rumex obtusifolius broad-leaved dock R Anthriscus sylvestris cow parsley R Ranunculus repens creeping buttercup O Cirsium arvense creeping thistle R Geranium molle dove's-foot crane's-bill R Plantago major greater plantain O Glechoma hederacea ground-ivy R Aegopodium podagraria ground elder O Polygonum aviculare knotgrass O Ligularia cf. dentata leopard plant R Filipendula ulmaria meadowsweet R Euphorbia characias Mediterranean spurge R Artemesia vulgaris mugwort R Urtica dioica nettle (common) O Leucanthemum vulgare ox-eye daisy R Plantago lanceolata ribwort plantain O O Salvia sp. sage species R Potentilla anserina silverweed O Capsella bursa-pastoris shepherd's purse R Helianthus sp. sunflower species R Lamium album white dead-nettle O Daucus carota wild carrot R Achillea millefolium yarrow O Iris pseudacorus yellow flag iris R Woody species Prunus sp. cherry species R Crataegus monogyna hawthorn R Hedera helix ivy LA Acer pseudoplatanus sycamore R Salix sp. willow species R

Appendix 2: Suitable Plants for Ponds

Appendix 2. Suitable Plants for Ponds (Taken from ‘Creating garden ponds for wildlife’ by Pond Conservation & World of Water, 2011) Type of Plant Species Comments Plants next to the pond • Cow parsley Provision of food and (for use in wildflower areas adjacent to • Devil’s-bit scabious cover next to the pond pond) • Hemp agrimony • Teasel Links to other habitats • Purple loosestrife • Red valerian • Yarrow Low-growing wetland grasses • Creeping bent (planted on dry ground or in a few cm of • Small sweet-grasses water) Marginal herbs & rushes • Lesser spearwort (2-10cm depth of water) • Marsh pennywort • Water forget-me-not • Water mint • watercress Marginal plants with attractive flowers & • Marsh cinquefoil architecture • Marsh woundwort (2-10cm depth of water) • Marsh-marigold • Pendulous sedge • Purple loosestrife • Ragged-robin • Water dock • Yellow iris Tall emergents • Branched bur-reed Can become (2-10cm depth of water) • Bulrush dominant in small • Greater pond-sedge ponds so regular • Hard rush cutting back • Lesser reedmace necessary • Reed sweet-grass • Soft rush Floating-leaved plants • Amphibious bistort (15-30cm of water) • Broad-leaved pondweed • Fringed water-lily • Yellow water-lily Submerged plants • Common water-starwort (Float in deep water) • Curled pondweed • Rigid hornwort • Spike water-milfoil • Water-crowfoot

Appendix 3: Annual Work Plan

Appendix 3. Annual Work Plan

Month

Operational Activity

Objective un

Jul

Oct

Jan Apr

Feb Mar J

Sep Dec

Nov

May Aug

Planting of native vegetation including a mix of bankside vegetation, X X X marginal plants, tall emergents, floating and submerged plants Maintenance of aquatic vegetation (remove dead plants and excessive X X X X X X weeds/ vegetation growth). Remove all cuttings Maintain and enhance Mowing of grassland areas. Remove all cuttings X X existing habitats for wildlife Thinning/ light pruning of overhanging trees X X Butterfly and bumblebee survey X X X X X X X

Botanical survey X

Create wildflower areas through scattering seeds or plug plants X X X

Planting of perennial bulbs X X X X Creating space for wildlife Put up a bird box X X Install insect hotel X Create a log pile in a sheltered location X X X X X Community Interpretation board designed and installed X engagement

Appendix 4: Long-term Work Plan

Appendix 4. Long-term Work Plan

Year Operational Activity Objective 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Planting of native vegetation including a mix of bankside vegetation, marginal plants, X tall emergents, floating and submerged plants Maintenance of aquatic vegetation (remove dead plants and excessive weeds/ X X X X X X X X X X Maintain and vegetation growth). Remove all cuttings enhance existing Mowing of grassland areas. Remove all cuttings X X X X X X X X X X habitats for wildlife Thinning/ light pruning of overhanging trees X X X X X X X X X X Butterfly and bumblebee survey X X X X X X X X X X Botanical survey X X Create wildflower areas through scattering seeds or plug plants X Planting of perennial bulbs X Creating space Put up a bird box X for wildlife Install insect hotels X Create a log pile in a sheltered location Community Interpretation board designed and installed X engagement Repair and replace interpretation board as necessary X X X X X X X X X X