Natural capital assessments for Braithwaite, Glenridding and Staveley sub-catchments Cumbria Catchment Pioneer Pilot Project Phase 1

Natural' Capital' Solu-ons

This project is funded by the Environment Agency and commissioned by Cumbria Wildlife Trust on behalf of the Cumbria Local Nature Partnership Natural capital assessments for Braithwaite, Glenridding and Staveley sub-catchments

The Cumbria Catchment Pioneer Pilot Project is a Cumbria Local Nature Partnership initiative delivered by Cumbria Wildlife Trust in conjunction with Natural Capital Solutions.

Author: Dr Alison Holt Contact: Natural Capital Solutions Ltd www.naturalcapitalsolutions.co.uk [email protected] Tel: 07981 278686

Reviewed by: Dr Jim Rouquette, Natural Capital Solutions Ltd

Report prepared for: Cumbria Local Nature Partnership

Published: November 2017

Recommended citation: Holt, A.R. (2017) Natural capital assessments for Braithwaite, Glenridding and Staveley sub-catchments. Cumbria Catchment Pioneer Pilot Project Phase 1. Natural Capital Solutions.

Acknowledgements: Thank you to Cumbria Wildlife Trust for supporting Phase 1 and bringing most of the data together. Natural England, the Lake District National Park Authority and the Environment Agency also contributed data for the report that was not openly accessible.

Cover image: Tall herb fen: Looking towards the villages of Kentmere and Green Quarter and the upper Kent catchment. © Cumbria Wildlife Trust.

Natural Capital Solutions Ltd ii Natural capital assessments for Braithwaite, Glenridding and Staveley sub-catchments

Executive summary Implementation of the government’s 25 year plan framework is being trialled through a series of Pioneer Projects across England. Cumbria is hosting one such project called the Cumbria Catchment Pioneer Pilot Project. It is being led by the Cumbria Local Nature Partnership, and it aims to take forward a natural capital approach in three sub-catchments (Braithwaite, Glenridding and Staveley), to create a natural capital investment and intervention plan for each.

This report outlines the work of Phase 1 of the Cumbria Catchment Pioneer Pilot Project. The main aim of this phase is to develop natural capital summaries for the three pilot sub-catchments and an outline of the issues and challenges faced in these areas.

Natural capital is the stock of natural assets (e.g. soils, water, biodiversity) that produces a wide range of benefits to people. These benefits are known as ecosystem services, which include food production, regulation of flooding and climate, pollination of crops, and cultural benefits such as aesthetic value and recreational opportunities. The concept of natural capital and its associated approaches can be used to understand the natural capital assets of an area. A natural capital assessment reveals the extent and condition of the assets, and then allows the number and flow of ecosystem service benefits to be estimated. These benefits can then be valued. This kind of assessment is key to identifying trade-offs and synergies between different ecosystem services.

A spatial mapping approach is used here to describe the extent and quality of the natural capital assets of Braithwaite, Glenridding and Staveley sub-catchments. Existing data on the extent and condition of the natural capital assets across the broad UK National Ecosystem Assessment habitats (mountain, moor and heath, freshwater and woodland) of these sub-catchments was gathered using a wide range of data. An assessment of conservation status and other important aspects of natural capital that act as a foundation for the provision of ecosystem services were included. For example, carbon storage, soil properties, accessibility, grazing of livestock, and water abstraction. Maps of the provision of six ecosystem services were also included for each of the sub- catchments. These were based on a mapping project undertaken by AECOM and Defra at the Lake District National Park scale (see White et al. 2015).

Each of the maps require careful interpretation, bearing in mind how the data was derived, modelled and the scale at which it has been mapped. The assessment has been based on the priority habitats inventory for the North of England (2016) map, using Land Cover Map (LCM) 2007 to identify the habitats in between. The Natural England and CEH natural capital maps, and the Aecom and Defra ecosystem service maps included are from models based on LCM 2007 data, which is now rather out of date, and have been mapped at a coarse resolution (1 x 1 km). These should be regarded as a guide, rather than a definitive picture of what is on the ground. The sub- catchments will require ecosystem service flow estimation to be completed at a finer scale (e.g. 10m x 10m or less) in Phase 3.

Natural Capital Solutions Ltd iii Natural capital assessments for Braithwaite, Glenridding and Staveley sub-catchments

The Braithwaite sub-catchment (5,044 ha) supports 13 priority habitats, with 60% of the area falling within SSSI and 90% within SAC designations. There are a large number of SSSIs in unfavourable condition (30 out of 35 units across 6 SSSIs) that cover a wide range of habitats from freshwater, lowland fen, but mostly upland habitats such as neutral grassland and dwarf shrub heath. The Newlands Beck catchment holds a section of Bassenthwaite Lake and 12 tarns. Issues with water quality stem from long- term phosphate pollution, and zinc pollution from abandoned mines. There are significant threats from invasive non-native species within the lake, Newlands Beck and the Derwent and Cumbria West Lower Palaeozoic and Carboniferous Aquifer bedrock aquifer. Flooding is of major concern. There are significant opportunities for Natural Flood Management (NFM) through planting ‘Woodlands for Water’ downstream of Bassenthwaite Lake. Soil improvement works and run-off attenuation features are a priority for this sub-catchment. The assessment shows that 46% of the peat habitats are in sub-standard condition. Only a small area (8 ha) of peat habitats have a medium potential of restoration, 53 ha show low potential. The uplands here are heavily grazed, but the farms in the uplands are in the Higher Level Stewardship Scheme. There is a significant area of woodland in this sub-catchment (775 ha), a large area being the National Forest Estate managed woodlands, dominated by coniferous species. This area performs particularly well at carbon sequestration, carbon storage and regulation of air quality, and for the production of timber and woodfuel. Soil invertebrate abundance is also high in the National Forest Estate woodland and other woodland pockets. Sixty-one percent of the catchment is open access and is an important area for recreation, especially around the lakes and on the fells, which provide highly appealing visual landscapes. The challenges for Braithwaite are in balancing flood alleviation with the conservation of priority habitats for wildlife, recreation, and upland livestock farming. The natural capital assessment shows that there is limited opportunity for restoration of peat habitats and ‘Woodlands for Water’ planting. A more in depth focus on what the opportunities are in the small number of sites that are suitable for peat restoration is required, and the extent to which woodland can be created south of Bassenthwaite Lake.

The Glenridding sub-catchment (6,270 ha) supports 12 priority habitats, with 41% of the area falling within SSSI designations, and 90% of the SSSI area being a SAC. Twenty- nine of 39 units across 7 SSSIs are in unfavourable condition. The area contains a small section of Ullswater Lake, 5 other lakes and 16 tarns. There are issues in particular with water quality in Glenridding Beck, where there is a problem with wastewater pollution and phosphates. The lakes are at risk from a wide variety of invasive non-native species. Flooding is of major concern, but there has been no assessment of the opportunities for NFM in this sub-catchment. However, the integrated flood action plan for Cumbria identified the need for NFM upstream of Glenridding village where woodland creation and management could be used to slow the flow. This could also be used to stabilise banks to reduce the material entering the watercourse. Seventy-eight percent of the 293 ha of habitats associated with peat in this sub-catchment show negative condition features. Just under half of this area has been assessed as having high or medium potential for restoration (106 ha). The upland areas of this sub- catchment show a range of grazing levels, but overall they are reasonably high. There is little woodland in this sub-catchment and it is largely broadleaved (288 ha, 4.6%),

Natural Capital Solutions Ltd iv Natural capital assessments for Braithwaite, Glenridding and Staveley sub-catchments with just under half of this being ancient woodland. These woodland areas provide the highest carbon sequestration, carbon storage and regulation of air quality within the sub-catchment. Eighty-seven percent of the catchment is open access and is an important area for recreation, especially around the larger lakes and the high slopes of Helvellyn, that provide appealing visual landscapes. The challenges for Glenridding are in balancing flood alleviation with the conservation of priority habitats for wildlife, recreation, and upland livestock farming. The natural capital assessment indicates that the most obvious restoration opportunities are the peat habitats that have high and medium restoration potential (although this is quite a small area). Alternative management to reduce stocking densities could be beneficial. Woodland creation opportunities should be explored as it could enhance the flood alleviation and water purification services, at the same time as controlling erosion, the latter being a particular problem in the sub-catchment.

The Staveley sub-catchment (5,583 ha) supports 15 priority habitats, however, <1% of the area is designated an SAC or a SSSI. All of the terrestrial SSSIs are in a favourable condition, with one of the freshwater ones also in favourable condition, and the rest in unfavourable condition. There are 28 reservoirs and tarns within this sub-catchment. These, along with the River Gowan and the River Kent (headwaters to confluence with the Gowan), have a good ecological and chemical status (apart from moderate ecological status at Dubbs Reservoir). Water quality and ecological issues are associated with benzo(a)pyrene, water abstraction and invasive non-native species. The South Cumbria Lower Palaeozoic and Carboniferous Aquifer is impacted by pollution from abandoned mines. Flooding is of major concern, and an NFM assessment has suggested that roughening the upper Kent sub-catchment, using woodland planting and peat restoration, should be a priority. Peat restoration in particular can be used to de-synchronise the peak run off from the upper Kent and the Gowan. In an assessment of peat condition, many of the habitats associated with peat in this sub-catchment show negative condition features (295 ha, 79%). Of these only 71 ha has medium restoration potential, 222 ha showing low potential. The upland areas at the top and the west side of the this sub-catchment show a range of grazing levels, and in pockets the grazing density can be high. There are fragments of largely broadleaved woodland in the Staveley sub-catchment (240 ha), with a quarter of this being ancient woodland. These woodland areas provide the highest carbon sequestration, carbon storage and regulation of air quality within the sub-catchment. Just over 50% of the sub-catchment is open access, and this area is less popular for recreation than the other pilot sub-catchments. Visitors prefer the high slopes of the north and north west of the sub-catchment, that provide panoramic views, and areas with the larger reservoirs and tarns. The challenges for Staveley, as with the other sub- catchments, are in balancing flood alleviation with the conservation of priority habitats for wildlife, recreation, and upland livestock farming. The natural capital assessment indicates that future work should be targeted at further understanding the potential for restoration of peat habitats, and to what extent the restoration of the medium potential sites would help in slowing the flow of water. These upland sites are also heavily grazed, and alternative management to reduce stocking densities could be considered. Woodland cover is quite low, so creating woodland of the correct composition, size and spatial position could enhance the flood alleviation service, but

Natural Capital Solutions Ltd v Natural capital assessments for Braithwaite, Glenridding and Staveley sub-catchments may also provide a range of other services, for example, carbon storage and sequestration.

The natural capital assessments for each pilot sub-catchment show the issues and challenges within the sub-catchments to be broadly similar. For example, the issue of flooding is common to all, upland sheep farming is dominant, there are habitats and species of conservation importance and national significance, and the landscapes are important areas for recreation. Possible solutions to these issues have been discussed in terms of how restoration and creation of habitats can enhance the capacity of the sub-catchments to retain more water, but also how this can provide a range of other ecosystem services. How restoration and creation of habitats can also benefit biodiversity and conservation priorities needs further analyses. This will be the focus of Phase 3 of the Cumbria Catchment Pioneer Pilot Project.

The natural capital assessments of the three sub-catchments have enabled an overview of the extent and condition of the habitats within them, and the issues and priorities that will influence their management. This information is key to developing a future management strategy and investment plan for each area. Much of the data available on habitats and their condition has not been collected with the measurement of ecosystem services in mind, so further data will be required in Phase 3 of the Pilot Project. There are gaps in data for modelling some of the important ecosystem services in the sub-catchments such as flood regulation, water purification and recreation. Data for cultural services is lacking, but this is a common problem when assessing ecosystem service provision.

When embarking on Phase 3 of the Cumbria Catchment Pioneer Pilot Project, it is important to understand that there is no one size fits all approach to quantifying the ecosystem service flows from the natural capital assets. The most suitable tools and methods should be chosen depending on the scale and natural capital of the sub- catchments, the key ecosystem services that are provided by the natural capital, and the challenges that are present. This Pilot will be one of the first projects to apply a spatial natural capital approach to small-scale landscapes.

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Table of Contents Executive summary…………………………………………………………………………………………………iii Contents………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..vii 1. Background ...... 1 1.1 Aims ...... 1 1.2 The natural capital approach ...... 1 1.3 Methodological approach ...... 3 1.4 Data interpretation ...... 4 2. Natural capital asset assessment for Braithwaite ...... 6 2.1 Site overview ...... 7 2.2 Priority habitats ...... 7 2.3 Conservation designations ...... 7 2.4 Freshwater ...... 14 Status of water bodies ...... 14 2015 Status and objectives ...... 15 Water body risk assessment ...... 15 Headwater quality ...... 17 Water abstraction ...... 20 History of flooding ...... 20 Natural Flood Management ...... 20 2.5 Mountain, moor and heath ...... 21 Peatland habitats ...... 21 Upland grazing habitats ...... 25 2.6 Woodland ...... 28 2.7 Open access areas ...... 28 2.8 Carbon storage ...... 32 2.9 Soil properties ...... 32 Nitrogen ...... 32 Phosphorus ...... 37 pH ...... 37 Invertebrates ...... 37 3. Ecosystem service provision - Braithwaite ...... 40 3.1 Regulation of air quality ...... 40 3.2 Climate regulation ...... 40 3.3 Landscape value / aesthetics ...... 40 3.4 Livestock ...... 44 3.5 Recreation ...... 44 3.6 Timber and wood fuel production ...... 44 4. Issues and priorities in the Braithwaite catchment …………………………………………....49 5. Natural capital asset assessment for Glenridding ...... 51 5.1 Site overview ...... 52 5.2 Priority habitats ...... 52 5.3 Conservation designations ...... 52 5.4 Freshwater ...... 59 Status of water bodies ...... 60 2015 Status and objectives ...... 60

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Water body risk assessment ...... 61 Headwater quality ...... 62 Water abstraction ...... 65 History of flooding ...... 65 Natural Flood Management ...... 65 5.5 Mountain, moor and heath ...... 66 Peatland habitats ...... 66 Upland grazing habitats ...... 70 5.6 Woodland ...... 73 5.7 Open access areas ...... 73 5.8 Carbon storage ...... 77 Above ground carbon (vegetation) ...... 77 Soil carbon ...... 77 5.9 Soil properties ...... 77 Nitrogen ...... 77 Phosphorus ...... 82 pH ...... 82 Invertebrates ...... 82 6. Ecosystem service provision – Glenridding ...... 85 6.1 Regulation of air quality ...... 85 6.2 Climate regulation ...... 85 6.3 Landscape value / aesthetics ...... 85 6.4 Livestock ...... 89 6.5 Recreation ...... 89 6.6 Timber and wood fuel production ...... 89 7. Issues and priorities in the Glenridding sub- catchment………………………………………94 8. Natural capital asset assessment for Staveley ...... 96 8.1 Site overview ...... 97 8.2 Priority habitats ...... 97 8.3 Conservation designations ...... 97 8.4 Freshwater ...... 104 Status of water bodies ...... 105 2015 Status and objectives ...... 105 Water body risk assessment ...... 105 Headwater quality ...... 106 Water abstraction ...... 110 History of flooding ...... 110 Natural Flood Management ...... 110 8.5 Mountain, moor and heath ...... 111 Peatland habitats ...... 111 Upland grazing habitats ...... 115 8.6 Woodland ...... 118 8.7 Open access areas ...... 118 8.8 Carbon storage ...... 122 Above ground carbon (vegetation) ...... 122 Soil carbon ...... 122 8.9 Soil properties ...... 122 Nitrogen ...... 122 Phosphorus ...... 127

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pH ...... 127 Invertebrates ...... 127 9. Ecosystem service provision - Staveley ...... 130 9.1 Regulation of air quality ...... 130 9.2 Climate regulation ...... 130 9.3 Landscape value / aesthetics ...... 130 9.4 Livestock ...... 134 9.5 Recreation ...... 134 9.6 Timber and wood fuel production ...... 134 10. Issues and priorities in the Staveley sub-catchment………………………………………..139 11. Overall conclusions from Phase 1……………………………………………………………………141 11.1 Data gaps………………………………………………………………………………………………………….141 Learning and next steps ...... 141 12. References ...... 143

Natural Capital Solutions Ltd ix Natural capital assessments for Braithwaite, Glenridding and Staveley sub-catchments

1. Background

The recently released 25 Year Environment Plan Framework (Defra 2016) provides a structure and vision for a new way of working that aims to ‘improve the environment within a generation’. Achieving this aim will require making better decisions that incorporate the environment and its value.

Implementation of the 25 year plan framework is being trialled through a series of Pioneer Projects. Cumbria is hosting one such project called the Cumbria Catchment Pioneer. One of the key areas for action highlighted in the 25 year plan, and a main aim of Pioneer Projects, is to ‘test new tools and methods as part of applying a natural capital approach in practice’. As part of a pilot project under the Cumbria Catchment Pioneer, the Cumbria Local Nature Partnership is leading the development of these new tools and taking forward the natural capital approach to produce natural capital investment and intervention plans.

New tools and methods underpinning the natural capital approach will be tested in three Cumbrian sub-catchments, Braithwaite, Glenridding and Staveley. These areas experienced severe flooding in December 2015, and are part of the Cumbrian Floods Partnership programme, set up specifically to work with the local residents and communities to improve flood resilience. This pilot project will be implemented in four phases:

• Phase 1: Development of natural capital summaries for each of the three pilot areas; • Phase 2: Engagement with local stakeholders and communities; • Phase 3: Development of natural capital investment and intervention plans for each of the three pilot areas; • Phase 4: Sourcing investment and commissioning of delivery.

1.1 Aims Natural Capital Solutions were commissioned by the Cumbria Local Nature Partnership to complete Phase 1 of the Cumbria Catchment Pioneer Pilot Project. The aim of Phase 1 was to:

• Develop a natural capital summary for the Braithwaite, Glenridding and Staveley sub-catchments. These summaries were to outline the importance of the natural capital approach, document the extent and quality of natural capital assets in the three sub-catchments, and bring together existing work on the mapping of ecosystem services in these areas. Finally they would provide an outline of the issues and pressures faced by each of the sub-catchments. 1.2 The natural capital approach Natural capital can be defined as ‘..elements of nature that directly or indirectly produce value to people, including ecosystems, species, freshwater, land, minerals, the air and oceans’ Natural Capital Committee (2014). It is the stock of natural assets (e.g. soils, water, biodiversity) that produces a wide range of benefits to people. These

Natural Capital Solutions Ltd 1 Natural capital assessments for Braithwaite, Glenridding and Staveley sub-catchments benefits are known as ecosystem services, which include food production, regulation of flooding and climate, pollination of crops, and cultural benefits such as aesthetic value and recreational opportunities. These can be broken down into provisioning, regulating and cultural services (Figure 1.1). The supporting services (e.g. nutrient cycling) are considered to be ecological processes rather than services.

The concept of natural capital and its associated approaches can be used to understand the natural capital assets of an area or organisation. Through a natural capital assessment, it is possible to understand the extent and condition of those assets, so the number and the flow of ecosystem service benefits from those assets can be established. These benefits can then be valued. Information on condition, benefits and their value allows informed and transparent land management decisions to be made. It allows an understanding of the consequences of land management change (whether that be a change from one type of natural habitat to another, or from natural habitats to, for example, hard engineering or housing developments) on the range of benefits that can be provided by a landscape, how specific changes can be tailored to enhancing certain services or values, and how environmental change (e.g. climate change) may affect natural capital assets, their benefits and values. It can reveal the value of both public and private benefits that come from managing landscapes. It is key to identifying trade-offs and synergies between different ecosystem services.

Figure 1.1 Key types of ecosystem services (based MA (2005))

There are three essential steps to complete when taking a spatial natural capital approach (Figure 1.2). The first is to assess and map the natural capital assets. This is a natural capital asset check (basis of a natural capital investment plan) and is also the foundation of a natural capital account. It forms a baseline from which to keep track of subsequent changes in the assets, that will have knock on effects to ecosystem service provision. This requires bringing together data from a range of sources across different organisations, but also identifying whether these data are suitable for use in the estimation of the biophysical flow of a range of ecosystem services (Step 2). Step 2 requires a certain level of natural capital asset data on which to base the models which

Natural Capital Solutions Ltd 2 Natural capital assessments for Braithwaite, Glenridding and Staveley sub-catchments estimate ecosystem service flow / production. This varies depending on the type of models used to estimate the services (e.g. EcoServe GIS, LUCI), and on the services that are to be modelled (e.g. recreation, carbon sequestration, agricultural production). For the ecosystem service maps to be of any use as a decision-making tool, it also needs to be completed at an appropriate spatial resolution to the area of interest. The last step uses economic valuation to quantify the benefits that people gain from ecosystem services. Economic valuation can be estimated in a number of units but it is common to use monetary valuation because it is familiar, continuous unit of measurement and comparable. This requires further data on market values or other studies from which the value of benefits can be transferred. Cultural services remain difficult to value, and there are still no studies from which values can reliably be transferred for water quality and flood alleviation services.

Biodiversity is part of natural capital and performs important functions within ecosystems. It plays particularly important roles in relation to ecosystem services, although the complexities of these relationships are not fully understood. When considering the valuation of ecosystem services, biodiversity is important in a number of ways: (i) as a factor that regulates the ecosystem processes that underpin ecosystem services, (ii) as a final ecosystem service that contributes directly to some goods and their values, and (iii) it can itself be the good that has value.

Step 1. Assess and map natural capital assets Phase 1 and 2

Step 2. Quan5fy and map Phase 3 ecosystem service flows

Step 3. Valua5on of benefits Phase 3

Figure 1.2 Natural capital assessment framework

1.3 Methodological approach A spatial mapping approach is used to describe the extent and quality of the natural capital assets that provide ecosystem services in the three sub-catchments. The Braithwaite sub-catchment is a single Water Framework Directive water body catchment, but Staveley is comprised of two, and Glenridding of three. Each sub- catchment is referred to as a single sub-catchment, and have been named after the main village in the area. Existing data on the extent and condition of the natural capital assets of these sub-catchments was gathered. An overview of the mosaic of broad habitats that comprised each of the sub-catchments was achieved using the CEH Land

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Cover Map (LCM) 2007. Although now rather dated, this gives a good indication of the diversity of habitats in this area, and is the basis for many of the soil properties and ecosystem service maps. The terrestrial ‘Habitats of Principal Importance in England’ (Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006 Section 41) data were also used. Cumbria is an area of England with a high number of these priority habitats, so this data provides a good coverage in each of the sub-catchments.

A wide range of data has been used to assess the extent and condition of the natural capital assets of the sub-catchments. The assets were categorised into the broad UK NEA habitats (mountain, moor and heath, freshwater and woodland), and an assessment was made of the extent and condition of each habitat, and also their conservation status. An assessment of other important aspects of natural capital that act as a foundation for the provision of ecosystem services were included, For example, carbon storage, soil properties, accessibility, grazing of livestock, and water abstraction.

Data on water abstraction, aquifers, the river network, flood risk areas, status of waterbodies and risk factors were from the Environment Agency. Data on Cumbrian Tarns, the Cumbrian Peat and Juniper surveys were from the Cumbrian Wildlife Trust. Grazing levels, Environmental Stewardship, open access areas, and conservation designated areas and ancient woodland were derived from Natural England. Woodland data was from the Forestry Commission’s National Forest Inventory. Data on invertebrates in headwater streams, carbon storage, and soil properties were from the Natural England and CEH natural capital maps (https://eip.ceh.ac.uk/naturalengland-ncmaps). The ecosystem service maps were derived from the Defra and Aecom data for the Lake District National Park. These services had been modelled as part of a wider project to develop ecosystem accounts for protected areas in England and Scotland (see White et al. (2015)). The majority of the data were at the national level, so all maps were derived by clipping the data to the boundaries of the sub-catchment areas using GIS software.

1.4 Data interpretation Each of the maps requires careful interpretation, bearing in mind how the data were derived, modelled and the scale at which it has been mapped.

The LCM 2007 is based on remotely sensed data (Landsat). There are misclassification errors with certain habitats in this map, particularly for habitats relevant to the sub- catchment areas e.g. grassland, heather grass, bogs and montane habitats. These errors can exceed 50% when distinguishing between rough, acid and calcareous grassland. The resolution of the data is also quite coarse (25m). We, therefore, consider the priority habitats map, based on the priority habitats inventory for the North of England (2016), to be more reliable. This is because it is taken from a number of different sources that include on the ground assessments, National Vegetation Classification surveys, condition assessments, SSSI and Environmental Stewardship surveys. Here, the LCM 2007 is useful for characterising the habitats in between the priority habitats.

Natural Capital Solutions Ltd 4 Natural capital assessments for Braithwaite, Glenridding and Staveley sub-catchments

The Natural England and CEH natural capital maps are from models using the LCM 2007, which is now rather out of date, and are mapped at a coarse 1x1km scale (the results being averages across land covers within each 1 km square), which is more suitable for the national scale (as it was intended). These maps should, therefore, be used as a guide, as they are likely to be inaccurate. The specifics of each of the models is summarised briefly in the natural capital summary text for each sub-catchment, with a citation where further detail can be found. The ecosystem services maps by White et al. (2015) should also be interpreted with care. The mapping was completed for the Lake District National Park, at a 1x1 km scale, and it also uses the LCM 2007 to model the ecosystem services. This project does not focus on the most appropriate suite of ecosystem services for the sub-catchments (as the aims of the project they are from were quite different), and is not at a scale useful for decision-making (i.e. field scales). The sub-catchments will require ecosystem service flow estimation to be completed at a fine scale (e.g. 10m x 10m or less) in Phase 3. On the former point, the regulation of air quality service may not to be modelled in Phase 3, but has been included here because it has already been mapped by a previous project. The ability of trees to absorb pollutants will be largely redundant in rural areas, like the Cumbrian sub- catchments, that tend to have low PM10 pollution. The model used to estimate this service does account for PM10 pollution levels, but these are averaged at the county scale. The use of this model will be considered if it can be refined for use in this more rural context. The specifics of the models used to estimate ecosystem services flows are summarised briefly in the natural capital assessments. For more detail on the models refer to the White et al. (2013) technical report.

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2. Natural capital asset assessment for Braithwaite The Braithwaite sub-catchment (Map 2.0), part of the larger Derwent catchment, covers an area of 5,044 ha (50.44km2). It is situated to the west of Keswick in the Borough of Allerdale, in the northern Lake District National Park. It includes a small section of Bassenthwaite Lake in the north, directly south of this, but east of Grisedale Pike Ridge is the village of Braithwaite. There is a significant area of woodland, which includes the Foresty Commission Whinlatter Forest Park in the north-west. The Derwent fells stretch to the south. Map 2.0 Braithwaite sub-catchment. Contains OS data © Crown copyright and database right (2016).

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2.1 Site overview past and present The Braithwaite sub-catchment has been shaped by human activity over millennia, particularly by farming. This sub-catchment contains a significant area of inbye and early intake fields on the valley floors and lower sides (Archaeology and History Map 2.1). The fells area escaped enclosure, and conifer plantations were established in the early 1900s. This landscape history has influenced the mosaic of habitats that characterise the Braithwaite sub-catchment today. Fifteen broad habitats occur in this area, ranging from montane and upland bog, heath, heather grassland, acid grassland, improved grassland and freshwater, through to broadleaved and coniferous woodland (Map 2.2).

2.2 Priority habitats The Braithwaite sub-catchment encompasses 13 of the terrestrial ‘Habitats of Principal Importance in England’ (Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006 Section 41) covering an area of 3,453 ha (68.46% of the sub-catchment). The catchment is dominated by upland heathland (see Map 2.3 Table 2.1 ), with significant areas of grass moorland and flood plain grazing marsh. The occurrence of mountain heath and willow scrub, upland flushes, upland hay meadow and blanket bog habitats are significant at a national scale. What is not priority habitat is largely coniferous woodland and improved grassland. 2.3 Conservation designations Sixty percent (3,007 ha) of the Braithwaite sub-catchment is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Ninety-five percent of this area is also designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC): River Derwent and Bassenthwaite in the north (80 ha), and Lake District High Fells in the south and west (2,779 ha) (Map 2.4). The area of Bassenthwaite Lake in the north of the sub-catchment is also a National Nature Reserve (NNR) of 81 hectares. The SSSIs cover a range of habitats: freshwater lake, lowland fen, upland neutral grassland, dwarf shrub heath and broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland. These SSSI sites vary in their condition (Table 2.2). Of the 35 units within the six SSSI sites, 5 are in favourable condition, 18 are unfavourable but recovering, 10 are unfavourable with no change, 2 are in unfavourable condition one of which is declining.

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Map 2.1 Braithwaite sub-catchment archaeology and history. Source: Cultural Landscape © Lake District National Park Authority 2017.

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Map 2.2 Braithwaite sub-catchment land cover classes. Source: Environment Agency (conditional licence: CEH Landcover Map 2007, clipped to the Cumbria County boundary – 3rd party IP: CEH).

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Map 2.3 Braithwaite sub-catchment priority habitats. Source: Natural England Priority habitat inventory for the North of England 2016.

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Table 2.1 NERC Habitat Area in hectares (% of Braithwaite) Blanket bog 85 (1.7) Floodplain grazing marsh 431 (8.5) Deciduous woodland 93 (1.8) Grass moorland 805 (16) Good quality semi-improved grassland 12 (0.24) Lowland dry acid grassland 3 (0.06) Lowland fens 22 (0.44) Mountain heaths and willow scrub 64 (1.27) Purple moor grass and rush pasture 24 (0.48) Traditional orchard 0.5 (0.01) Upland flushes, fens and swamps 236 (4.68) Upland heathland 1,631 (32.34) Upland hay meadow 3 (0.06) No main habitat but additional habitats present 47 (0.93) (Area values rounded up for each habitat type)

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Map 2.4 Braithwaite conservation designations. Source: Natural England via data.gov.uk.

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Table 2.2 SSSI Area in hectares Habitat and condition (% of the SSSI that occurs in sub-catchment) Bassenthwaite Lake 128 (18) Bassenthwaite Lake – unfavourable – no change Redness/Bridges, lowland fen, marsh and swamp – unfavourable – recovering Derwent Foot, lowland fen, marsh and swamp – favourable Rough/Green Mires, lowland fen, marsh and swamp – unfavourable – recovering Porter How, lowland fen, marsh and swamp – favourable Braithwaite Moss 34 (100) West of Newlands Beck , upland neutral grassland – unfavourable – recovering East of Newlands Beck, upland neutral grassland – unfavourable – no change Force Crag Mine 53 (100) Mine, Earth Heritage - Unfavourable Chapel Bridge Meadows 3 (100) West meadow, upland neutral grassland – unfavourable – declining East meadow, upland neutral grassland – unfavourable – no change Buttermere Fells 2779 (45) 24 units of this SSSI in the Braithwaite sub-catchment consisting of dwarf shrub heath and broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland: 2 favourable, 15 unfavourable – recovering, 7 unfavourable – no change. Barf and Thornthwaite 10 (44) Earth Heritage - favourable

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2.4 Freshwater Freshwater habitats are important assets for the provision of ecosystem services such as water supply, and understanding how flood risk can be reduced. They are also the basis for important supporting and regulating services (water purification, nutrient cycling, disease and pest regulation), and are the foundation for many cultural ecosystem services (recreation, spiritual, aesthetics) (UK NEA 2011). The Braithwaite sub-catchment is fed by Newlands Beck with a length of 165.68 km. The sub-catchment includes a small section of Bassenthwaite Lake in its top northern edge. The area includes 12 tarns that in addition to Bassenthwaite Lake, cover an area of 0.46 km2 (Table 2.3).

Table 2.3 Tarn Area (m2) Buttermere Moss 128 Reservoir 1,838 Dalehead Tarn 873 Nr Dalehead Tarn 162 Miners Crag 308 High Spy 43 Maiden Moor 324 Maiden Moor 270 Launchy Tarn 2,020 Bassenthwaite Lake 452,086 Powterhow Hotel 146 Comb Plantation 1,183 Low Moss 135

Status of water bodies The map below (Map 2.5) shows the river network in the sub-catchment, the lake water bodies and aquifers. It shows the location of the superficial aquifers (formed of permeable unconsolidated deposits). An area of 2588 ha of the sub-catchment is designated as a secondary superficial aquifer. The whole sub-catchment is a secondary B bedrock aquifer, which stores and yields a limited amount of water. Map 2.5 also shows the areas of land within the sub-catchment that are at risk of flooding. Flood Zone 3 models the areas at risk in a 1 in 100 (1%) or greater chance of fluvial flooding, ignoring the presence of flood defences. Flood Zone 2 models the areas at risk between Zone 3 and the extent of fluvial flooding with a 1 in 1000 (0.1%) chance of flooding each year. The area at greatest risk from fluvial flooding is in the north east of

Natural Capital Solutions Ltd 14 Natural capital assessments for Braithwaite, Glenridding and Staveley sub-catchments the catchment at the valley bottom around the river floodplain. Flood Zone 3 covers an area of 588 ha, and Flood Zone 2 an area of 52 ha.

2015 Status and objectives Bassenthwaite Lake – is designated a Drinking Water Protected Area, and is protected under the Habitats Directive and Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive. Its overall ecological status is moderate, and overall chemical status is good. There is a problem with point source zinc pollution from abandoned mines in this area. Newlands Beck – is protected by the Habitats Directive. Its overall ecological status is moderate, the overall chemical status is ‘fail’. The fail is due to pollution by cadmium and its compounds from abandoned mines. Derwent and Cumbria West Lower Palaeozoic and Carboniferous Aquifer – is covered by the Nitrates Directive and is a Drinking Water Protected Area. Overall quantitative status (the amount of groundwater) is moderate, over all chemical status is poor.

Water body risk assessment Bassenthwaite Lake – is mainly at risk from a variety of invasive non-native species (INNS) and eutrophication due to long-term phosphate and nutrient problems. INNS - Killer Shrimp (Dikerogammarus villosus), Mysid crustacean (Hemimysis anomola), Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha), Red Swamp Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii, Ponto Caspian Shrimp (Dikerogammarus haemobaphes), Water Primrose (Ludwigia grandiflora), Australian Swamp Stonecrop (Crassula helmsii), Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera), Curly Water-Thyme (Lagarosiphon major), Floating Pennywort (Hydrocotyle ranunculoides), and Parrot's Feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum). Newlands Beck – benzo(a)pyrene, Lead, Cadmium, Copper, Zinc are issues here, along with sedimentation. INNS pressure is significant - Freshwater amphipod (Dikerogammarus villosus), Red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), Ponto Caspian shrimp (Dikerogammarus haemobaphes), Floating pennywort (Hydrocotyle ranunculoides) and Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera). Derwent and Cumbria West Lower Palaeozoic and Carboniferous Aquifer - benzo(a)pyrene, Lead, Cadmium, Copper, Zinc are an issue along with sedimentation. INNS - Freshwater amphipod (Dikerogammarus villosus), Red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), and Floating pennywort (Hydrocotyle ranunculoides).

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Map 2.5 Braithwaite sub-catchment river network (Newlands Beck), lake water bodies, groundwater and flood risk areas (EA zones 2 & 3). Source: Environment Agency.

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Headwater quality The Natural England and CEH natural capital maps include one that is an indicator of water quality. It measures observed and expected presence of invertebrate indicator species in headwater streams and compares these values based on the Biological Monitoring Working Party scores. A higher value indicates that the water quality in headwater streams is better. The scores are based on invertebrate samples from headwater stream sites as part of the CEH Countryside Survey in 1998 and 2007. Reference invertebrate communities were created and scored, and these were extrapolated to the national level using statistical analyses (Norton et al. 2016). Map 2.6 shows the scores for the headwaters in the Braithwaite sub-catchment at 1 km square resolution.

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Map 2.6 Invertebrates in headwater streams of the Braithwaite sub-catchment (mapped at 1 x 1 km). A higher score indicates better water quality. Contains data supplied by Natural Environment Research Council © NERC (Centre for Ecology & Hydrology).

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Map 2.7 Potential annual water abstraction (2013) in the Braithwaite sub-catchment (mapped at 1 x 1 km). Source: White et al. (2015).

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Water abstraction Potential annual water abstraction in cubic metres from the Bratihwaite sub- catchment is mapped at 1 km square resolution (Map 2.7). These are data from the Aecom and Defra mapping of ecosystem services within the Lake District National Park (White et al. 2015). It is derived from data on the volume of water abstracted from surface and ground water resources within the Lake District National Park in 2013. Agricultural water use was excluded from the analyses, so the map reflects water supply, industrial, commercial and public services, energy production, amenity and environmental water use. Water abstraction is high around Bassenthwaite Lake in the north, and the fringes of Derwent Water to the east of the sub-catchment.

History of flooding Braithwaite sub-catchment has a history of flooding (EA, CCC 2016). Major flood events occurred in November 2009 and in December 2015 following storm Desmond. The extents of both floods were similar. The main sources of the flash flooding in 2015 were Coledale Beck and Barrow Gill. Surface water flooding was also observed. Trees from an upstream section of Coledale Beck were washed into watercourses and caused many blockages. It damaged 41 properties and the campsite. The A66 main trunk road was closed. The Cumbria Floods Partnership was formed in response to Storm Desmond and built relationships with communities and stakeholders in the catchments worst effected by the storm, the Derwent, the Eden and the Kent and Leven. There are a number of actions outlined in their ‘First steps toward an integrated catchment plan for Cumbria’ report (EA 2016a). Braithwaite flood defences include 630m of raised embankment and a gravel trap at Coledale. One recommendation is to use natural flood management options to reduce flood risk (‘slow the flow’) across the catchment (EA 2016b). These may include land use changes and / or flood storage. There has only been very limited use of these approaches in the catchment. One possibility is to restore peatland sites in order that more water can be retained in these habitats (CWT, NE, FC). The Cumbria River Restoration Strategy aims to deliver innovative river restoration measures within the River Derwent and Bassenthwaite Lake SAC. This includes re-connecting watercourses to their floodplain, removing barriers to fish migration, restoring straightened channels to meanders (West Cumbria RT, NE, EA, WT, Catchment Sensitive Farming). Braithwaite Flood Alleviation Scheme began in 2017 and will run until April 2019.

Natural Flood Management A project has recently been completed that investigated the opportunities for natural flood management (NFM) in Cumbria. NFM is a strategy that works with the processes, features and characteristics of the natural environment to alleviate downstream flood risk, whilst providing a number of other ecosystem service benefits through an enhanced natural capital (Hankin et al. 2016). The project focused on three specific catchments in Cumbria, the Derwent, Kent and Eden. The Braithwaite sub-catchment falls within the Derwent catchment. The main outcomes of the hydrological modelling were that planting Woodlands for Water would be an opportunity downstream of Bassenthwaite lake, which is within the Braithwaite catchment. Run off attenuation features (e.g. storage ponds, bunds, in-stream storage) and soil improvement (de- compaction, soil structure improvement) should be strategic priorities.

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2.5 Mountain, moor and heath

Peatland habitats Peat habitats are of conservation value and have highly characteristic species assemblages. In good condition they act as a carbon sink and play an important role in the control of water resources (UK NEA 2011). These habitats face a number of threats that continue to influence their ecology and hydrology, for example, drainage, burning, grazing, peat extraction, infrastructure development and afforestation. Climate change is also causing an increase in decomposition and erosion, exacerbating their deterioration (Carroll 2013). According to the Cumbrian Peat Survey there are 130 ha (20 sites) of habitats associated with peat in the Braithwaite sub-catchment (blanket bog, upland flushes fens and swamps and dry dwarf heath, see Map 2.8). The National Trust own 80% of these sites, with the remaining sites owned jointly by the Lake District National Park Authority and the Forestry Commission. All of the sites fall under SSSI and SAC designations, apart from the upland blanket bog in the top north-west of the sub- catchment. The condition of the peat was assessed by scrutinising aerial imagery for negative condition features e.g. gripped, hagged, bare, eroded, gullied, drained, burnt, peat cutting and wooded (for the definition of these see Carroll (2013) p7). The condition of 69 ha, 53% of the peat habitat area, is good. However, the peat condition varies through the catchment, with 61 ha of peat that is considered sub-standard. Some sites have been gripped and exhibit erosion (Map 2.9), with one site in the top north west of the sub-catchment that has been gripped and hagged, and is also eroded. The potential for restoring peat is based on the density of potential restoration features (the negative condition features outlined above) within a GIS polygon of the peat map, and the extent of the peat at the scale of the individual fell (Carroll 2013). This is a subjective assessment of the condition of peat based on the potential to physically restore the peat mantle (the assessment did not account for where stocking density could be reduced to ensure success of restoration or prevent further damage (Carroll 2013)). High potential means a high density of features and large extent of peat habitat at the fell-scale. Medium potential indicates a moderate density of features and large extent of peat habitat at the fell-scale. Low means a low density of features within polygon. Unclear indicates that restoration features may be present, but potential is not obvious from aerial imagery (this includes isolated but badly damaged areas). No potential shows that there are no obvious restoration features and none suspected to be present. The potential for restoring the peat habitats in the Braithwaite sub-catchment is shown in Map 2.10. Out of 20 sites only 1 shows medium potential (8 ha) and 6 sites show low potential (53 ha).

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Map 2.8 Peat habitats in Braithwaite sub-catchment. Source: Cumbrian Peat Mapping 2013.

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Map 2.9 Peat condition. The condition of the peat was assessed by scrutinising aerial imagery for negative condition features e.g. gripped, hagged, bare, eroded, gullied, drained, burnt, peat cutting and wooded. Source: Cumbrian Peat Mapping 2013.

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Map 2.10 Potential for restoration. The potential for restoring peat is based on the density of potential restoration features (the negative condition features outlined above) within a GIS polygon of the peat map, and the extent of the peat at the scale of the individual fell (Carroll 2013). This is a subjective assessment of the condition of peat based on the potential to physically restore the peat mantle. High potential means a high density of features and large extent of peat habitat at the fell-scale. Medium potential indicates a moderate density of features and large extent of peat habitat at the fell-scale. Low means a low density of features within polygon. Unclear indicates that restoration features may be present, but potential is not obvious from aerial imagery (this includes isolated but badly damaged areas). No potential shows that there are no obvious restoration features and none suspected to be present. Source: Cumbrian Peat Mapping 2013.

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Upland grazing habitats The upland habitat is marginal for agriculture (agricultural land classification of ‘very poor’ or classified as ‘Less Favoured Areas’ (LFA)), but is the basis of the sheep farming industry, and therefore the food production service in this sub-catchment. Average annual grazing levels are higher in the upland heathland and grass moorland habitats on high slopes of the sub-catchment (0.68 annual average ewes per ha Map 2.11) that covers an area of 2,691 ha, and lower in the western fringes of the catchment (110 ha at 0.56 annual average ewes per ha, 35 ha at 0.4 ewes per ha). These data were from those farms in the Higher Level Stewardship scheme that have stocking calendars. This means that there is an average annual density of 1,906 ewes in the sub-catchment. LFA farms depend to a large degree (typically for over 30% of revenue) on public payments through the Single Farm Payment (CAP) and specific agri-environment schemes (Harvey & Scott 2016). All of the upland farms in the catchment are in the higher-level environmental stewardship scheme, which places restrictions on the density of sheep grazing (Map 2.12). This grazed landscape also plays an important role maintaining the ‘distinctive’ landscape and character of the Lake District region. The grazed landscape is, therefore, one of a number of important factors that contributes to the provision of cultural ecosystem services.

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Map 2.11 Livestock grazing in the Braithwaite sub-catchment. Source: Natural England.

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Map 2.12 Environmental Stewardship agreements in the Braithwaite sub-catchment. Source: Natural England via data.gov.uk.

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2.6 Woodland Woodland is an important timber resource, but it also provides a wide range of other ecosystem services e.g. air purification, carbon sequestration, water filtration for water quality, flood alleviation, and cultural value. The total area covered by woodland in the Braithwaite sub-catchment is 775 ha (15%) (note that this calculation includes bare ground and shrub). Much of this woodland is coniferous (~78%) with the remaining area consisting of mixed broadleaved woodland (Map 2.13). There is also a small area of ancient woodland within the sub-catchment. The semi-natural Atlantic oak woodland in this area is important at a national scale. Table 2.4 shows the area of the forest that falls under the National Forest Estate (NFE) (i.e. owned and managed by the Forestry Commission), and the area outside of the NFE.

2.7 Open access areas The degree to which a landscape is accessible, especially to walkers, is an indication of the accessibility of nature. This can be measured as an ecosystem service. Map 2.14 shows the areas of the sub-catchment that fall under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (86 ha) and other areas designated open access (2,989 ha).

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Map 2.13 Woodland in the Braithwaite sub-catchment. Source: Forestry Commission and Natural England.

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Table 2.4 Woodland type Area (ha) Total woodland area 775

National Forest Estate (NFE) area (incl. other habitats) 563 Mixed broadleaved 38 Conifer 424 (Area of ancient woodland within the above) (57)

Woodland outside of the NFE (incl. bare ground and shrub) 212 Mixed broadleaved 85 Conifer 86 Mixed 16 Young 5 (Area of ancient woodland within the above) (57)

Total in Braithwaite sub-catchment Mixed broadleaved 123 Conifer 510 Mixed 16 Young 5

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Map 2.14 Open access areas of Braithwaite sub-catchment. Source: Natural England via data.gov.uk.

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2.8 Carbon storage The following maps show the capacity of the vegetation and soil to store carbon in the Braithwaite sub-catchment. Carbon storage is important for climate regulation. White regions on the maps mean that no data were available for that area. Above ground carbon (vegetation) Forests and other vegetation sequester and store carbon. Map 2.15 shows the mean carbon stored (tonnes per hectare) in above-ground vegetation in the Braithwaite sub- catchment at 1 x 1 km scale. This was clipped from the Natural England and CEH map for England. The carbon density of each non-woodland land cover type is estimated based on biomass conversion equations from the scientific literature. Woodland carbon density is estimated using species and age specific data. These were up-scaled using extent of each category from the Land Cover Map 2007 (Henrys et al. 2016). Areas of woodland in the north of the sub-catchment show the highest carbon density. Soil carbon Soil organic carbon plays an important role in soil function as an energy source for maintaining structure, resilience and retaining water (NE, CEH soil carbon report). It is also an important foundation of a number of provisioning and regulating ecosystem services (e.g. nutrient cycling, primary production, climate regulation). Map 2.16 shows the mean carbon stored (tonnes per hectare) in the topsoil (0-15 cm depth) of the Braithwaite sub-catchment at 1 km square resolution. Soil carbon data is derived from soil samples collected in 591 km squares across England and then extrapolated to other areas using statistical analyses (Henrys et al. 2012a). Areas with a high density of carbon in the topsoil in the sub-catchment coincide with acid grassland, bogs and heathland habitats. 2.9 Soil properties The following maps characterise different properties of the soil, an important natural capital asset, in the Braithwaite sub-catchment. White regions on the maps mean that no data was available for that area.

Nitrogen Soil nitrogen is a measure of soil fertility and plays an important role in the process of soil formation. It is also a key aspect of natural capital and is the foundation of supporting ecosystem services (e.g. primary production, nutrient cycling). However, high levels in the soil (e.g. through fertilizer application) can lead to nitrogen being leached into surrounding watercourses, adversely affecting water quality. Map 2.17 shows the total nitrogen concentration (% dry weight of soil) in the topsoil (0-15 cm depth) of the Braithwaite sub-catchment at 1 km square resolution. Measurements are based on samples collected across 256 1 km squares of England and extrapolated to national level using statistical analyses (Henrys et al. 2012b). The map shows the highest levels in the upland habitats, rather than the improved grassland habitats. This is consistent with national trends and is thought to be due to large amounts of nitrogen being locked up in the organic matter of peat soils (NE, CEH soil nitrogen report).

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Map 2.15 The mean carbon stored in above-ground vegetation in the Braithwaite sub- catchment (mapped at 1 x 1 km). Contains data supplied by Natural Environment Research Council © NERC (Centre for Ecology & Hydrology).

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Map 2.16 Mean carbon stored (tonnes per hectare) in the topsoil (0-15 cm depth) of the Braithwaite sub-catchment at (mapped at 1 x 1 km). Contains data supplied by Natural Environment Research Council © NERC (Centre for Ecology & Hydrology).

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Map 2.17 Total nitrogen concentration (% dry weight of soil) in the topsoil (0-15 cm depth) of the Braithwaite sub-catchment (mapped at 1 x 1 km). Contains data supplied by Natural Environment Research Council © NERC (Centre for Ecology & Hydrology).

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Map 2.18 Total Olsen-phosphorus concentration (soil phosphorus available to plants in mg/kg dry soil) in the topsoil (0-15 cm depth) of the Braithwaite sub-catchment (mapped at 1 x 1 km). Contains data supplied by Natural Environment Research Council © NERC (Centre for Ecology & Hydrology).

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Phosphorus As with nitrogen, phosphorus is a measure of soil fertility, and is an important foundation for supporting ecosystem services, which in turn contribute to food and fibre production and water quality services. As with nitrogen, high levels in the soil through fertliliser application can lead to phosphorus being leached into surrounding watercourses, adversely affecting water quality. Map 2.18 shows the total Olsen- phosphorus concentration (soil phosphorus available to plants in mg per kg dry soil) in the topsoil (0-15 cm depth) of the Braithwaite sub-catchment at 1 km square resolution. The areas in the sub-catchment that have high phosphorus concentrations appear in km squares with a high proportion of improved grassland habitat. Measurements are based on samples collected across 256 1 km squares of England and extrapolated to national level using statistical analyses based on habitat type and soil parent material (Henrys et al. 2012b). pH Soil pH is important for supporting ecosystem services as with the previous soil properties. It is an indication of soil acidity. Map 2.19 shows the mean pH in the topsoil (0-15 cm depth) of the Braithwaite sub-catchment at 1 km square resolution. Measurements are based on samples collected across 591 1 km squares of England and extrapolated to national level using statistical analyses based on habitat type and soil parent material (Henrys et al. 2012c). As expected the habitats associated with the uplands (bog, acid grassland, heath) are more acid and so have a lower pH. The higher pH values, 5.5 – 6.1 are therefore less acidic and associated with grazing marsh and improved grassland habitats in the north-east and east of the sub-catchment.

Invertebrates Soil invertebrates play an important role in soil processes and functions e.g. transforming nutrients and producing biomass, and enhance soil quality. They therefore play a vital role in supporting and regulating services. Map 2.20 shows the mean estimates of total abundance of invertebrates in topsoil (0-8 cm depth) of the Braithwaite sub-catchment at 1 km square resolution. Measurements are based on samples collected across 238 1 km squares of England and extrapolated to national level using statistical analyses based on habitat type and soil parent material (Henrys et al. 2012d). The highest densities are in the woodland areas of the sub-catchment, and also in the acid grassland and heath habitats. Lower densities are expected in the more intensively managed habitats.

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Map 2.19 Mean pH in the topsoil (0-15 cm depth) of the Braithwaite sub-catchment (mapped at 1 x 1 km). Contains data supplied by Natural Environment Research Council © NERC (Centre for Ecology & Hydrology).

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Map 2.20 Mean estimates of total abundance of invertebrates in topsoil (0-8 cm depth) of the Braithwaite sub-catchment (mapped at 1 x 1 km). Contains data supplied by Natural Environment Research Council © NERC (Centre for Ecology & Hydrology).

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3. Ecosystem service provision - Braithwaite One project has comprehensively mapped a range of ecosystem services that can be used in this pioneer sub-catchments study. This is the work completed by Aecom for Defra, mapping the ecosystem services across UK protected areas (White et al. 2015). Aceom and Defra agreed to allow the project access to the GIS data files for the Lake District National Park, and it has been possible to clip the maps to the sub-catchment boundaries. The mapping is at 1km square resolution, so is too coarse for decision- making at field scales. It also does not cover some key ecosystem services in the context of this pioneer project, for example, water quality and flood alleviation. However, it does give an indication in this scoping phase as to the spatial distribution and level of provision of a number of ecosystem services. 3.1 Regulation of air quality The regulation of air quality has been measured as the quantity of particulate matter (PM10) of ≤10 μm in size absorbed by habitats. Defra data on annual background concentrations of PM10 were used, along with Land Cover Map 2007 data for habitats across the Lake District National Park. The quantity of PM10 absorbed was calculated using the production function in Powe & Willis (2004) (see White et al (2015)). Map 3.1 shows the kg per year (2013) absorption for the Braithwaite sub-catchment. The highest absorption rates are in the woodland habitat in the north, centre and east of the catchment. 3.2 Climate regulation The climate regulation service uses the annual amount (tonnes) of carbon sequestered by habitats within the Lake District National Park as an indicator. The sequestration rates for different habitats were taken from Christie et al. (2011) and matched with the Land Cover Map 2007 categories. Data on condition of peat in SSSIs were used to alter the carbon sequestration rate where peat was degraded. Map 3.2 shows carbon sequestration in tonnes in the Bratihwaite sub-catchment in 2013. The highest sequestration is found in the woodland areas, particularly the NFE coniferous woodland. The upland habitats (bog, dwarf shrub heath and acid grassland) have reasonable sequestration rates. 3.3 Landscape value / aesthetics How the landscape is valued for its visual appeal was quantified by measuring the number of photographs taken of habitats within the Lake District National Park and then uploaded to the Panoramio website (taken from a study by Casalegno et al. 2013). Data from the website was collected along with the number of photos per km2 for each year over a ten year period (2005-2015). This was combined with Land Cover Map 2007 habitat types within each kilometre square and then aggregated across all grid squares to show the number of photos taken in each habitat type. Map 3.3 shows the number of photos taken across the habitats in the Bratihwaite sub-catchment from 2005-2015.

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Map 3.1 Kg per year absorption of PM10 (2013) for the Braithwaite sub-catchment (mapped at 1 x 1 km). Source: White et al. (2015).

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Map 3.2 Annual carbon sequestration in tonnes (2013) in the Braithwaite sub-catchment (mapped at 1 x 1 km). Source: White et al. (2015).

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Map 3.3 The number of photos taken across the habitats in the Braithwaite sub-catchment from 2005-2015 (mapped at 1 x 1 km). Source: White et al. (2015).

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3.4 Livestock Livestock production was based on data on livestock numbers (livestock type, breeding stock, followers and progeny) from the Defra June Survey (2014). These were converted into Livestock Units (LU) using standard coefficients based on feed requirements for different livestock. LUs were allocated to different habitats based on carrying capacity estimated from a literature review and expert opinion. The average production per unit area of each grazeable habitat was estimated and multiplied by the area of that habitat in each grid square. This gave a measure of LU per hectare. Map 3.4 shows the total livestock production in 2013 for each 1 km grid square in the Braithwaite sub-catchment. Stocking densities are highest in the lowland grazing marsh and improved grassland habitats of the lower slopes. 3.5 Recreation The quantity of recreational and tourist visits to habitats per year was used as an indicator of the recreation ecosystem service. Data on the number of visits were taken from the Cumbrian Visitor Survey 2013 compiled by Cumbria Tourism (formerly the Cumbria Tourist Board) and were visits within the National Park boundary. Only visits related to the natural environment were included. The visits were related to habitat types using the MENE survey. Map 3.5 shows the number of visits in 2013 to the habitats of the Braithwaite sub-catchment. Popular areas are around Bassenthwaite Lake, woodland and high upland habitat. 3.6 Timber and wood fuel production Timber production was measured as the quantity of timber harvested, softwood from coniferous woodland and hardwood from broadleaved woodland (from both publically and privately owned woodland). Average productivity was determined by dividing the total UK production by the area of coniferous and broadleaved woodland. This was then used to estimate production for the extent of woodland in each of the 1 km squares as estimated by Land Cover Map 2007. Map 3.6 shows timber production in tonnes in the Braithwaite sub-catchment in 2013. Areas of high production are in the NFE managed by the Forestry Commission and in privately owned woodland in the east of the sub-catchment. Map 3.7 shows the quantity of woodfuel harvested in each km square of the Braithwaite sub-catchment in 2013. The proportion of the timber production allocated for wood fuel was estimated using national data from the Forestry Commission.

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Map 3.4 Total livestock production in 2013 in the Braithwaite sub-catchment (mapped at 1 x 1 km). Source: White et al. (2015).

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Map 3.5 The number of visits in 2013 to the habitats of the Braithwaite sub-catchment (mapped at 1 x 1 km). Source: White et al. (2015).

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Map 3.6 Timber production in tonnes in the Braithwaite sub-catchment in 2013 (mapped at 1 x 1 km). Source: White et al. (2015).

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Map 3.7 Quantity of woodfuel harvested in each km square of the Braithwaite sub-catchment in 2013 (mapped at 1 x 1 km). Source: White et al. (2015).

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4. Issues and priorities in the Braithwaite catchment The Braithwaite sub-catchment supports thirteen priority habitats, some of national significance, with 60% of the area falling within SAC and SSSI designations. However, there are a large number of SSSIs in unfavourable condition that cover a wide range of habitats from freshwater, lowland fen, but mostly upland habitats such as neutral grassland and dwarf shrub heath. Areas outside the priority habitats are generally areas of improved grassland and coniferous woodland. Both habitats showing some of the highest soil phosphorus levels within the catchment (Map 2.18). The Newlands Beck catchment holds a section of a Bassenthwaite Lake and a number of tarns. Issues with water quality stem from long-term phosphate pollution, and zinc pollution from abandoned mines. There are significant threats from invasive non- native species within the lake, Newlands Beck and the Derwent and Cumbria West Lower Palaeozoic and Carboniferous bedrock aquifer. Flooding is of major concern here due to the events in December 2015. Subsequent Natural Flood Management work (Hankin et al. 2016) has shown there are significant opportunities for planting ‘Woodlands for Water’ downstream of Bassenthwaite Lake. Soil improvement works and run-off attenuation features are a priority for this sub-catchment. There are a number of areas of upland bog habitat in Braithwaite sub-catchment (Map 2.8). Some of these sites appear to be associated with negative condition features: they are eroded, gripped and hagged (Map 2.9). These sites are important for biodiversity and as the maps show they are also important carbon stores. In addition, the recent peat survey concluded that only a small area (8 ha) of habitats associated with peat have a medium potential for restoration, the rest show low potential (Map 2.10). The uplands here are heavily grazed, but the farms in the uplands are in the Higher Level Stewardship Scheme. There is a significant area of woodland in this sub-catchment, a significant area of this being the National Forest Estate managed woodlands, dominated by coniferous species. This area performs particularly well at carbon sequestration (Map 3.2), carbon storage (Map 2.15) and regulation of air quality (Map 3.1), and for the production of timber and woodfuel (Maps 3.6 & 3.7). Soil invertebrate abundance is also high (Map 2.20) in the NFE woodland and other woodland pockets. Sixty-one percent of the catchment is open access and is an important area for recreation (Map 3.5), especially around the lakes and on the fells, that provide landscapes that people can find highly appealing (Map 3.3). Overall, understanding the capacity of the sub-catchment for providing the water ecosystem service of flood alleviation is a priority, alongside its importance as an area for the conservation of priority habitats for wildlife, an area significant for recreation, and one that supports important cultural and provisioning services through upland livestock farming. The key is to understand which habitats can be ecologically restored, extended or created to both slow the flow of water, but also to provide a wide range of other ecosystem services such as habitat for wildlife, recreation, aesthetic landscapes, carbon sequestration and water quality. Habitat type, quality and its spatial position will be important. Work in Phase 3 should be targeted at revealing the

Natural Capital Solutions Ltd 49 Natural capital assessments for Braithwaite, Glenridding and Staveley sub-catchments habitat opportunities that can provide these multiple functions, to reveal which combination of services (and hence which priorities) can be managed where. The challenges with this, in terms of habitat opportunities, is that the natural capital assessment shows that there is limited opportunity for restoration of peat habitats, and there may be limited opportunities through Woodlands for Water planting. However, there are some options. A more in depth focus on what the opportunities are in the limited number of sites that are suitable for peat restoration is required. Another focus should be opportunities for woodland creation south of Bassenthwaite Lake.

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5. Natural capital asset assessment for Glenridding The Glenridding sub-catchment (Map 5.0), is part of the larger Eamont catchment, and covers an area of 6,270 ha (60.70 km2). It includes Ullswater lake in the north-east corner, into which Glenridding Beck flows. In the north is the village of Glenridding, moving west is Glenridding Common and the steep slopes of Helvellyn on the very edge of the sub-catchment. South of this is Patterdale, Grisedale Beck, Grisedale and Grisdale forest. The Goldrill Beck flows from the south of Ullswater into Brothers Water. To the east is Deepdale with Deepdale and Eden Becks, and Hayeswater. Map 5.0 The Glenridding sub-catchment. Contains OS data © Crown copyright and database right (2016).

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5.1 Site overview past and present The Glenridding sub-catchment has been shaped by human activity over millennia, particularly by farming. This sub-catchment contains inbye and early intake fields on the valley floors and lower sides (Archaeology and History Map 5.1), although some woodland was spared. Most of the fells area was not enclosed, apart from the south- east of the catchment which has been enclosed more recently. This landscape history has influenced the mosaic of habitats that characterise the Glenridding sub-catchment today. Fourteen broad habitats occur in this area, ranging from montane and upland bog, heather and heather grassland, rough and improved grassland, freshwater, through to broadleaved and coniferous woodland (Map 5.2).

5.2 Priority habitats The Glenridding sub-catchment encompasses 12 of the terrestrial ‘Habitats of Principal Importance in England’ (Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006 Section 41) covering an area of 5,256.6 ha (83.84% of the sub-catchment). The catchment is dominated by grass moorland (see Map 5.3 Table 5.1), with significant areas of grass moorland and upland heath, flushes, fens and swamps. The occurrence of mountain heath and willow scrub, upland flushes, upland hay meadow and blanket bog habitats are significant at a national scale. What is not priority habitat appears to be largely improved and rough grassland. 5.3 Conservation designations Forty-one percent (2,580 ha) of the Glenridding sub-catchment is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Ninety-nine percent of this SSSI area is also designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC): Lake District High Fells (2,421 ha) in the western section of the sub-catchment, and a small area to the east of Ullswater, River Eden (47 ha) which includes the section of Ullswater and the Goldrill Beck in the middle, and Ullswater Oakwoods (77 ha) south of this (Map 5.4). The SSSIs cover a range of habitats: freshwater lake, rivers and streams, upland neutral grassland, dwarf shrub heath, bog, inland rock, montane, broadleaved, mixed and yew and wet woodlands (Table 5.2). These SSSI sites vary in their condition. Of the 39 units within the 7 SSSI sites, 10 are in favourable condition, 24 are unfavourable but recovering, 4 are unfavourable with no change, 1 is in unfavourable condition and declining.

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Map 5.1 Glenridding sub-catchment archaeology and history. Source: Cultural Landscape © Lake District National Park Authority 2017.

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Map 5.2 Glenridding sub-catchment land cover classes. Source: Environment Agency (conditional licence: CEH Landcover Map 2007, clipped to the Cumbria County boundary – 3rd party IP: CEH).

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Map 5.3 Glenridding sub-catchment priority habitats. Source: Natural England Priority habitat inventory for the North of England 2016.

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Table 5.1 NERC Habitat Area in hectares (% of Glenridding) Blanket bog 218.1 (3.5) Floodplain grazing marsh 129.8 (2.1) Deciduous woodland 201.9 (3.2) Grass moorland 3356 (53.5) Good quality semi-improved grassland 7.2 (0.1) Lowland fens 0.7 (0.01) Mountain heaths and willow scrub 103.8 (1.66) Purple moor grass and rush pasture 3.8 (0.06) Upland calcareous grassland 160.2 (2.6) Upland flushes, fens and swamps 394.8 (6.3) Upland heathland 614.9 (9.8) Upland hay meadow 9.5 (0.2) No main habitat but additional habitats present 56.7 (0.9) (Area values rounded up for each habitat type)

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Map 5.4 Glenridding conservation designations. Source: Natural England via data.gov.uk.

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Table 5.2 SSSI Area in hectares Habitat and condition (% of the SSSI that occurs in sub-catchment) Birk Fell 25.5 (9.6) Birk Fell: Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland – unfavourable – no change Unit 2: Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland – unfavourable – recovering Fell Land (2): Dwarf shrub heath– unfavourable – recovering Low Birk Fell: Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland – unfavourable – recovering Unit 5: Dwarf shrub heath– unfavourable – recovering Fell Land (1): Dwarf shrub heath– unfavourable – recovering Blea Water 0.24 (1.39) Blea Water Crag and Racecourse Hill: Montane - favourable Brothers Water 33.97 (100) Unit 1. Neutral grassland – favourable Unit 2: Standing open water and canals – unfavourable – declining Unit 3: Neutral grassland – favourable Unit 4: Wet woodland - favourable Low Wood 76.93 (100) Low Wood: Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland – unfavourable – recovering How End: Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland – unfavourable – recovering Helvellyn & Fairfield 2395.33 (96.25) This SSSI consists of 22 units representing dwarf shrub heath, inland rock, standing water and canals, montane, and broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland habitats: 4 favourable, 15 unfavourable –

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recovering, 3 unfavourable – no change. Troutbeck 1.17 (0.15) High Bull Crag: Upland bog – unfavourable – recovering Park Fell Head: Upland bog - favourable River Eden and Tributaries 47.23 (1.93) Ullswater: Standing water and open canals – favourable Goldrill Beck: Rives and streams – unfavourable - recovering

5.4 Freshwater Freshwater habitats are important assets for the provision of ecosystem services such as water supply, and understanding how flood risk can be reduced. They are also the basis for important supporting and regulating services (water purification, nutrient cycling, disease and pest regulation), and are the foundation for many cultural ecosystem services (recreation, spiritual, aesthetics) (UK NEA 2011). The Glenridding sub-catchment is fed by Glenridding Beck, Grisedale Beck and Goldrill Beck, with a total length of 210.14 km. The sub-catchment includes 5 lakes, a small section of Ullswater in its mid-northern edge, Brothers Water south of this, Hayeswater to the east, Grisedale Tarn and Red Tarn in the west side of the sub- catchment. The area includes 16 smaller tarns, and in total freshwater lakes and tarns cover an area of 1.03 km2 (Table 5.3).

Table 5.3 Tarn Area (m2) Nr Red Tarn 396 Green Side 339 Heron Pike 261 Heron Pike 134 Lanty’s Tarn 3,326 Brown Cove 899 Brown Cove 195 Brown Cove 209 Red Tarn 87,878 Nr Grisedale Tarn 281 Priests hole 334

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Hard Tarn 425 Grisedale Tarn 117,414 Brothers Water 196,900 Nr Stay Dub 133 Caudale Moor 977 Angle Tarn 59,445 Brock Crags 568 Hayeswater 173,063 Ullswater 381,176 Red Screes Tarn 465 Sticks Tarn 633

Status of water bodies The map below (Map 5.5) shows the river network in the sub-catchment, the lake water bodies and aquifers. It shows the location of the superficial aquifers (formed of permeable unconsolidated deposits). An area of 1,989 ha of the sub-catchment is designated as a secondary superficial aquifer, with 323 ha designated as unproductive. The whole sub-catchment is a secondary B bedrock aquifer, which stores and yields a limited amount of water. Map 5.5 also shows the areas of land within the sub- catchment that are at risk of flooding. Flood Zone 3 models the areas at risk in a 1 in 100 (1%) or greater chance of fluvial flooding, ignoring the presence of flood defences. Flood Zone 2 models the areas at risk between Zone 3 and the extent of fluvial flooding with a 1 in 1000 (0.1%) chance of flooding each year. The area at greatest risk from fluvial flooding is in the north of the catchment at the valley bottom around Ullswater lake to the south east of Glenridding. Flood Zone 3 covers an area of 271 ha, and Flood Zone 2 a further 37 ha.

2015 Status and objectives Glenridding Beck – is not covered by any designations. Its overall ecological status is poor, the overall chemical status is ‘fail’. There is a problem from point source wastewater pollution (sewage discharge) and phosphate. Grisedale Beck – is designated under the Habitats Directive. Its overall ecological and chemical status is good. Goldrill Beck – is designated under the Habitats Directive. Its overall ecological and chemical status is good. Eden and Esk Lower Palaeozoic and Carboniferous Aquifers – are covered by the Nitrates Directive and is a Drinking Water Protected Area. Overall quantitative status (the amount of groundwater) and chemical status is good. Ullswater – is protected under the Habitats Directive.

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Its overall ecological status is moderate, and overall chemical status is good. Diffuse phosphate pollution from rural areas is a problem. Red Tarn – is protected under the Habitats Directive. Overall ecological and chemical status is good. Brothers Water – has no designations. Overall ecological and chemical status is good. Grisedale Tarn - is protected under the Habitats Directive. Overall ecological and chemical status is good. Hayeswater - has no designations. Overall ecological and chemical status is good. However, there is a pressure from water abstraction.

Water body risk assessment Ullswater, Red Tarn, Brothers Water, Grisdale Tarn, Hayeswater - are mainly at risk from water abstraction, eutrophication and a variety of invasive non-native species (INNS). INNS - killer shrimp (Dikerogammarus villosus), zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha), mysid crustacean (Hemimysis anomola), Topmouth gudgeon (Pseudorasbora parva), red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), Ponto Caspian shrimp (Dikerogammarus haemobaphes), Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera), Curly Water-Thyme (Lagarosiphon major), Floating Pennywort (Hydrocotyle ranunculoides) and Australian Swamp Stonecrop (Crassula helmsii). Red Tarn – extra INNS: water fern (Azolla filiculoides & Azolla caroliniana). Ullswater – extra INNS: water primrose (Ludwigia grandiflora), and Parrot's Feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum). Glenridding Beck – at risk from cadmium, copper, lead, zinc, benzo(a)pyrene and sediment. INNS include - red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), Ponto Caspian shrimp (Dikerogammarus haemobaphes) and Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera), Grisedale Beck – at risk from benzo(a)pyrene and physical modification. INNS include - red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), Ponto Caspian shrimp (Dikerogammarus haemobaphes), Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) and Floating Pennywort (Hydrocotyle ranunculoides). Goldrill Beck – at risk from lead, zinc and physical modification. INNS include - killer shrimp (Dikerogammarus villosus) and Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera). Eden and Esk Lower Palaeozoic and Carboniferous Aquifers – the risks to this aquifer are an impact on Drinking water Protected Areas, on terrestrial ecosystems, surface water chemistry and ecology, and saline intrusion. However, the certainty of these risks are low.

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Map 5.5 Glenridding sub-catchment river network (Newlands Beck), lake water bodies, groundwater and flood risk areas (EA zones 2 & 3). Source: Environment Agency.

Headwater quality The Natural England / CEH natural capital maps include one that is an indicator of water quality. It measures observed and expected presence of invertebrate indicator species in headwater streams and compares these values based on the Biological Monitoring Working Party scores. A higher value indicates that the water quality in headwater streams is better (the highest for the UK is 2.1). The scores are based on invertebrate samples from headwater stream sites as part of the CEH Countryside Survey in 1998 and 2007. Reference invertebrate communities were created and scored, and these were extrapolated to the national level using statistical analyses (Norton et al. 2016). Map 5.6 shows the scores for the headwaters in the Glenridding sub-catchment at 1 km square resolution. The highest invertebrate scores in the sub- catchment can be found in Grisedale Beck, with high scores also around Ullswater and the source of Deepdale Beck.

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Map 5.6 Invertebrates in headwater streams of the Glenridding sub-catchment (mapped at 1 x 1 km). A higher score indicates better water quality. Contains data supplied by Natural Environment Research Council © NERC (Centre for Ecology & Hydrology).

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Map 5.7 Potential annual water abstraction (2013) in the Glenridding sub-catchment (mapped at 1 x 1 km). Source: White et al. (2015).

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Water abstraction Map 5.7 shows annual water abstraction in cubic metres from the Glenridding sub- catchment mapped at 1 km square resolution. These are data from the Aecom and Defra mapping of ecosystem services within the Lake District National Park (White et al. 2015). The data are the volume of water abstracted from surface and ground water resources within the Lake District National Park in 2013, and is from the Environment Agency. Agricultural water use was excluded from the analyses, so this reflects water supply, industrial, commercial and public services, energy production, amenity and environmental water use. Water abstraction is highest from Ullswater, but is also high from Brothers Water.

History of flooding Glennridding sub-catchment has a history of flooding (EA, CCC 2016). There were three separate flood events in December 2015 that affected the village of Glenridding. The first was caused by Storm Desmond, the others due to prolonged and intense rainfall on a saturated catchment. The main source of flooding was Glenridding Beck that received substantial surface water runoff and material from erosion and landslips, leading to flows outwith its channel. Fifteen properties were flooded and a significant amount of gravel deposited in the village. The Cumbria Floods Partnership was formed in response to Storm Desmond and built relationships with communities and stakeholders in the catchments worst effected by the storm, the Derwent, the Eden and the Kent and Leven. There are a number of actions outlined in their ‘First steps toward an integrated catchment plan for Cumbria’ report (EA 2016a). The wall along the Beck in Glenridding will be maintained as a flood defence (there are no formal flood defences in Glenridding). The plan outlined that there is scope to explore natural flood management solutions upstream of Glenridding to slow the flow and manage peak river levels, specifically through creation of woodland or changes to woodland management (EA 2016b). This could also play a role stabilising banks and reducing the amount of material in the river. There are no flood and coastal erosion risk management programmes of work for the financial year 2017 – 2018.

Natural Flood Management A project has recently been completed that investigated the opportunities for natural flood management (NFM) in Cumbria. NFM is a strategy that works with the processes, features and characteristics of the natural environment to alleviate downstream flood risk, whilst providing a number of other ecosystem service benefits through an enhanced natural capital (Hankin et al. 2016). The project focused on three specific catchments in Cumbria, the Derwent, Kent and Eden. However, the study does not include the Glenridding sub-catchment.

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5.5 Mountain, moor and heath

Peatland habitats Peat habitats are of conservation value and have highly characteristic species assemblages. In good condition they act as a carbon sink and play an important role in the control of water resources (UK NEA 2011). These habitats face a number of threats that continue to influence their ecology and hydrology, for example, drainage, burning, grazing, peat extraction, infrastructure development and afforestation. Climate change is also causing an increase in decomposition and erosion, exacerbating their deterioration (Carroll 2013). According to the Cumbrian Peat Survey there are 293 ha of habitats associated with peat in the Glenridding sub-catchment (blanket bog, upland flushes fens and swamps and acid grassland, see Map 5.8). The National Trust own 46% of these sites, with Lake District National Park Authority owning 15%, and United Utilities 1.5%. One hundred and seven hectares (36.5%) of the peat habitats fall within the SSSI and SAC designations. The condition of the peat was assessed by scrutinising aerial imagery for negative condition features e.g. gripped, hagged, bare, eroded, gullied, drained, burnt, peat cutting and wooded (for the definition of these see Carroll (2013) p7). The condition of 64 ha, 22% of the peat habitat area, is good. However, the peat condition varies through the catchment, with 229 ha of peat habitats considered sub-standard. The condition of the peat varies through the sub-catchment, there are sites that are bare and / or eroded, have been gripped, hagged and gullied (Map 5.9). The potential for restoring peat is based on the density of potential restoration features (the negative condition features outlined above) within a GIS polygon of the peat map, and the extent of the peat at the scale of the individual fell (Carroll 2013). This is a subjective assessment of the condition of peat based on the potential to physically restore the peat mantle (the assessment did not account for where stocking density could be reduced to ensure success of restoration or prevent further damage (Carroll 2013)). High potential means a high density of features and large extent of peat habitat at the fell-scale. Medium potential indicates a moderate density of features and large extent of peat habitat at the fell-scale. Low means a low density of features within the polygon. Unclear indicates that restoration features may be present, but potential is not obvious from aerial imagery (this includes isolated but badly damaged areas). No potential shows that there are no obvious restoration features and none suspected to be present. Out of the 68 sites surveyed and deemed substandard, 3 sites show high potential for restoration (6 ha), 5 sites show medium potential (4 ha) and 31 show low potential (102 ha). The potential for restoration is unclear at 9 sites (55 ha), and there is no potential at 20 sites (62 ha) (Map 5.10).

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Map 5.8 Peat habitats in Glenridding sub-catchment. Source: Cumbrian Peat Mapping 2013.

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Map 5.9 Peat condition. The condition of the peat was assessed by scrutinising aerial imagery for negative condition features e.g. gripped, hagged, bare, eroded, gullied, drained, burnt, peat cutting and wooded. Source: Cumbrian Peat Mapping 2013.

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Map 5.10 Potential for restoration. The potential for restoring peat is based on the density of potential restoration features (the negative condition features outlined above) within a GIS polygon of the peat map, and the extent of the peat at the scale of the individual fell (Carroll 2013). This is a subjective assessment of the condition of peat based on the potential to physically restore the peat mantle. High potential means a high density of features and large extent of peat habitat at the fell-scale. Medium potential indicates a moderate density of features and large extent of peat habitat at the fell-scale. Low means a low density of features within polygon. Unclear indicates that restoration features may be present, but potential is not obvious from aerial imagery (this includes isolated but badly damaged areas). No potential shows that there are no obvious restoration features and none suspected to be present. Source: Cumbrian Peat Mapping 2013.

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Upland grazing habitats The upland habitat is marginal for agriculture (agricultural land classification of ‘very poor’ or classified as ‘Less Favoured Areas’ (LFA)), but is the basis of the sheep farming industry, and therefore the food production service in this sub-catchment. Average annual grazing levels vary between 0.38 and 0.63 ewes per hectare (Map 5.11). These data were from those farms in the Higher Level Stewardship scheme that have stocking calendars. There is an average annual density of 2,347 ewes in the sub- catchment. LFA farms depend to a large degree (typically for over 30% of revenue) on public payments through the Single Farm Payment (CAP) and specific agri-environment schemes (Harvey & Scott 2016). Ninety-two percent of land holdings within the Environmental Stewardship Scheme are in the higher-level Environmental Stewardship Scheme, which places restrictions on the density of sheep grazing (Map 5.12). These higher-level agreements cover 92% (5,758 ha) of the area of the sub-catchment. This grazed landscape also plays an important role maintaining the ‘distinctive’ landscape and character of the Lake District region. The grazed landscape is, therefore, one of a number of important factors that contributes to the provision of cultural ecosystem services.

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Map 5.11 Livestock grazing in the Glenridding sub-catchment. Source: Natural England.

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Map 5.12 Environmental Stewardship agreements in the Glenridding sub-catchment. Source: Natural England via data.gov.uk.

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5.6 Woodland Woodland is an important timber resource, but it also provides a wide range of other ecosystem services e.g. air purification, carbon sequestration, water filtration for water quality, flood alleviation, and cultural value. The total area covered by woodland in the Glenridding sub-catchment is 288 ha (4.6%) (note that this calculation includes bare ground and shrub). This woodland is largely broadleaved (~80%) with very small pockets of coniferous woodland (Map 5.13, Table 5.4). Forty-three percent of the wooded area is ancient semi-natural forest with a large area around Brothers water and Goldrill Beck. This sub-catchment is also an important site for juniper. There are 143 ha of juniper distributed across the slopes of the sub-catchment.

5.7 Open access areas The degree to which a landscape is accessible, especially to walkers, is an indication of the accessibility of nature. This can be measured as an ecosystem service. Map 5.14 shows the areas of the sub-catchment that are open access (5,437 ha), with 2,375 ha of this area falling under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act.

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Map 5.13 Woodland in the Glenridding sub-catchment. Source: Forestry Commission and Natural England.

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Table 5.4 Woodland type Area (ha) Total woodland area (incl. bare ground, shrub 288 and felled areas) Area of which is ancient woodland 125

Mixed broadleaved 230 Conifer 17 Mixed 11 Young 13 Shrub 6 Low density 10 Ground preparation 3 (Area values rounded)

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Map 5.14 Open access areas of Glenridding sub-catchment. Source: Natural England via data.gov.uk.

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5.8 Carbon storage The following maps show the capacity of the vegetation and soil to store carbon in the Glenridding sub-catchment. Carbon storage is important for climate regulation. White regions on the maps mean that no data were available for that area.

Above ground carbon (vegetation) Forests and other vegetation sequester and store carbon. Map 5.15 shows the mean carbon stored (tonnes per hectare) in above-ground vegetation in the Glenridding sub- catchment at 1 x 1 km scale. This was clipped from the Natural England and CEH map for England. The carbon density of each non-woodland land cover type is estimated based on biomass conversion equations from the scientific literature. Woodland carbon density is estimated using species and age specific data. These were up-scaled using extent of each category from the Land Cover Map 2007 (Henrys et al. 2016). Areas of woodland in the north of the sub-catchment show the highest carbon density.

Soil carbon Soil organic carbon plays an important role in soil function as an energy source for maintaining structure, resilience and retaining water (NE, CEH soil carbon report). It is also an important foundation of a number of provisioning and regulating ecosystem services (e.g. nutrient cycling, primary production, climate regulation). Map 5.16 shows the mean carbon stored (tonnes per hectare) in the topsoil (0-15 cm depth) of the Glenridding sub-catchment at 1 km square resolution. Soil carbon data is derived from soil samples collected in 591 km squares across England and then extrapolated to other areas using statistical analyses (Henrys et al. 2012a). Areas with a high density of carbon in the topsoil in the sub-catchment coincide with woodland and acid grassland. 5.9 Soil properties The following maps characterise different properties of the soil, an important natural capital asset, in the Glenridding sub-catchment. White regions on the maps mean that no data was available for that area.

Nitrogen Soil nitrogen is a measure of soil fertility and plays an important role in the process of soil formation. It is also a key aspect of natural capital and is the foundation of supporting ecosystem services (e.g. primary production, nutrient cycling). However, high levels in the soil (e.g. through fertilizer application) can lead to nitrogen being leached into surrounding watercourses, adversely affecting water quality. Map 5.17 shows the total nitrogen concentration (% dry weight of soil) in the topsoil (0-15 cm depth) of the Glenridding sub-catchment at 1 km square resolution. Measurements are based on samples collected across 256 1 km squares of England and extrapolated to national level using statistical analyses (Henrys et al. 2012b). The highest levels roughly correspond with the peat bog habitats (although the LCM 2007 bog habitat does not correspond well with the peat survey data). This is consistent with national trends and is thought to be due to large amounts of nitrogen being locked up in the organic matter of peat soils (NE, CEH soil nitrogen report).

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Map 5.15 The mean carbon stored in above-ground vegetation in the Glenridding sub- catchment (mapped at 1 x 1 km). Contains data supplied by Natural Environment Research Council © NERC (Centre for Ecology & Hydrology).

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Map 5.16 Mean carbon stored (tonnes per hectare) in the topsoil (0-15 cm depth) of the Glenridding sub-catchment at (mapped at 1 x 1 km). Contains data supplied by Natural Environment Research Council © NERC (Centre for Ecology & Hydrology).

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Map 5.17 Total nitrogen concentration (% dry weight of soil) in the topsoil (0-15 cm depth) of the Glenridding sub-catchment (mapped at 1 x 1 km). Contains data supplied by Natural Environment Research Council © NERC (Centre for Ecology & Hydrology).

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Map 5.18 Total Olsen-phosphorus concentration (soil phosphorus available to plants in mg/kg dry soil) in the topsoil (0-15 cm depth) of the Glenridding sub-catchment (mapped at 1 x 1 km). Contains data supplied by Natural Environment Research Council © NERC (Centre for Ecology & Hydrology).

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Phosphorus As with nitrogen, phosphorus is a measure of soil fertility, and is an important foundation for supporting ecosystem services, which in turn contributes to food and fibre production and water quality services. As with nitrogen, high levels in the soil through fertliliser application can lead to phosphorus being leached into surrounding watercourses, adversely affecting water quality. Map 5.18 shows the total Olsen- phosphorus concentration (soil phosphorus available to plants in mg per kg dry soil) in the topsoil (0-15 cm depth) of the Glenridding sub-catchment at 1 km square resolution. The areas in the sub-catchment that have high phosphorus concentrations appear in km squares with a high proportion of improved grassland habitat. Measurements are based on samples collected across 256 1 km squares of England and extrapolated to national level using statistical analyses based on habitat type and soil parent material (Henrys et al. 2012b). pH Soil pH is important for supporting ecosystem services as with the previous soil properties. It is an indication of soil acidity. Map 5.19 shows the mean pH in the topsoil (0-15 cm depth) of the Glenridding sub-catchment at 1 km square resolution. Measurements are based on samples collected across 591 one kilometre squares of England and extrapolated to national level using statistical analyses based on habitat type and soil parent material (Henrys et al. 2012c). The habitats associated with bog, acid grassland and heath are more acid and so have a lower pH.

Invertebrates Soil invertebrates play an important role in soil processes and functions e.g. transforming nutrients and producing biomass, and enhance soil quality. They therefore play a vital role in supporting and regulating services. Map 5.20 shows the mean estimates of total abundance of invertebrates in topsoil (0-8 cm depth) of the Glenridding sub-catchment at 1 km square resolution. Measurements are based on samples collected across 238 one kilometre squares of England and extrapolated to national level using statistical analyses based on habitat type and soil parent material (Henrys et al. 2012d). The highest densities are in the north of the sub-catchment where there are pockets of woodland, acid grassland and heath.

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Map 5.19 Mean pH in the topsoil (0-15 cm depth) of the Glenridding sub-catchment (mapped at 1 x 1 km). Contains data supplied by Natural Environment Research Council © NERC (Centre for Ecology & Hydrology).

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Map 5.20 Mean estimates of total abundance of invertebrates in topsoil (0-8 cm depth) of the Glenridding sub-catchment (mapped at 1 x 1 km). Contains data supplied by Natural Environment Research Council © NERC (Centre for Ecology & Hydrology).

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6. Ecosystem service provision – Glenridding One project has comprehensively mapped a range of ecosystem services that can be used in this pioneer sub-catchments study. This is the work completed by Aecom for Defra, mapping the ecosystem services across UK protected areas (White et al. 2015). Aceom and Defra agreed to allow the project access to the GIS data files for the Lake District National Park, and it has been possible to clip the maps to the sub-catchment boundaries. The mapping is at 1km square resolution, so is too coarse for decision- making. It also does not cover some key ecosystem services in the context of this pioneer project, for example, water quality and flood alleviation. However, it does give an indication in this scoping phase as to the spatial distribution and level of provision of a number of ecosystem services. 6.1 Regulation of air quality The regulation of air quality has been measured as the quantity of particulate matter (PM10) of ≤10 μm in size absorbed by habitats. Defra data on annual background concentrations of PM10 were used, along with Land Cover Map 2007 data for habitats across the Lake District National park. The quantity of PM10 absorbed was calculated using the production function in Powe & Willis (2004) (see White et al (2015)). Map 6.1 shows the kg per year (2013) absorption for the Glenridding sub-catchment. It is quite variable throughout the catchment. However, the highest absorption rates coincide with the woodland areas, but upland habitats do play some role in the sequestration of carbon. The lowest areas are in the high montane habitats where there is little vegetation. 6.2 Climate regulation The climate regulation service uses the annual amount (tonnes) of carbon sequestered by habitats within the Lake District National Park as an indicator. The sequestration rates for different habitats were taken from Christie et al. (2011) and matched with the Land Cover Map 2007 categories. Data on condition of peat in SSSIs were used to alter the carbon sequestration rate where peat was degraded. Map 6.2 shows carbon sequestration in tonnes in the Glenridding sub-catchment in 2013. The highest sequestration is found in the woodland areas, particularly the NFE coniferous woodland. The upland habitats (bog, dwarf shrub heath and acid grassland) have reasonable sequestration rates. 2013. 6.3 Landscape value / aesthetics How the landscape is valued for its visual appeal was quantified by measuring the number of photographs taken of habitats within the Lake District National Park and then uploaded to the Panoramio website (taken from a study by Casalegno et al. 2013). Data from the website was collected along with the number of photos per km2 for each year over a ten year period (2005-2015). This was combined with Land Cover Map 2007 habitat types within each kilometre square and then aggregated across all grid squares to show the number of photos taken in each habitat type. Map 6.3 shows the number of photos taken across the habitats in the sub-catchment from 2005-2015. The most photographed areas are where Glenridding Beck meets Ullswater, Patterdale, the very bottom of the Goldrill Beck catchment and Helvellyn.

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Map 6.1 Kg per year absorption of PM10 (2013) for the Glenridding sub-catchment (mapped at 1 x 1 km). White et al. (2015).

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Map 6.2 Annual carbon sequestration in tonnes (2013) in the Glenridding sub-catchment (mapped at 1 x 1 km). White et al. (2015).

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Map 6.3 The number of photos taken across the habitats in the Glenridding sub-catchment from 2005-2015 (mapped at 1 x 1 km). White et al. (2015).

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6.4 Livestock Livestock production was based on data on livestock numbers (livestock type, breeding stock, followers and progeny) from the Defra June Survey (2014). These were converted into Livestock Units (LU) using standard coefficients based on feed requirements for different livestock. LUs were allocated to different habitats based on carrying capacity estimated from a literature review and expert opinion. The average production per unit area of each grazeable habitat was estimated and multiplied by the area of that habitat in each grid square. This gave a measure of LU per hectare. Map 6.4 shows the total livestock production in 2013 for each 1 km grid square in the Glenridding sub-catchment. Stocking densities are high throughout the sub-catchment, but highest where there are parcels of improved grassland from north to south of the central area of the sub-catchment. 6.5 Recreation The quantity of recreational and tourist visits to habitats per year was used as an indicator of the recreation ecosystem service. Data on the number of visits were taken from the Cumbrian Visitor Survey 2013 compiled by Cumbria Tourism (formerly the Cumbria Tourist Board) and were visits within the National Park boundary. Only visits related to the natural environment were included. The visits were related to habitat types using the MENE survey. Map 6.5 shows the number of visits in 2013 to the habitats of the Glenridding sub-catchment. Popular areas are around Ullswater, Brothers Water and Hayeswater, and also Helvellyn. 6.6 Timber and wood fuel production Timber production was measured as the quantity of timber harvested, softwood from coniferous woodland and hardwood from broadleaved woodland (from both publically and privately owned woodland). Average productivity was determined by dividing the total UK production by the area of coniferous and broadleaved woodland. This was then used to estimate production for the extent of woodland in each of the 1 km squares as estimated by Land Cover Map 2007. Timber production is shown to be greatest in the north of the sub-catchment and in the west (Map 6.6 timber production in tonnes in the Glenridding sub-catchment in 2013). However, the woodland in the west must already have been felled, as there are no woodlands mapped in this area (Map 5.13) Woodfuel production is estimated using the proportion of the timber production allocated for wood fuel was estimated using national data from the Forestry Commission. It appear to be greatest in the north and east of the sub-catchment (Map 6.7 shows the quantity of wood fuel harvested in each km square of the Glenridding sub-catchment in 2013). However, much of this is ancient woodland and is of high conservation importance.

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Map 6.4 Total livestock production in 2013 in the Glenridding sub-catchment (mapped at 1 x 1 km). White et al. (2015).

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Map 6.5 The number of visits in 2013 to the habitats of the Glenridding sub-catchment (mapped at 1 x 1 km). White et al. (2015).

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Map 6.6 Timber production in tonnes in the Glenridding sub-catchment in 2013 (mapped at 1 x 1 km). White et al. (2015).

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Map 6.7 Quantity of woodfuel harvested in each km square of the Glenriding sub-catchment in 2013 (mapped at 1 x 1 km). White et al. (2015).

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7. Issues and priorities in the Glenridding sub-catchment The Glenridding sub-catchment supports 13 priority habitats, some of national significance, with 41% of the area falling within SAC and SSSI designations. A quarter of the SSSIs are in favourable condition, and a half of them are in unfavourable condition but are recovering. Areas outside the priority habitats are generally areas of improved and rough grassland. These habitats showing some of the highest soil phosphorus levels within the catchment (Map 5.18). The Glenridding sub-catchment holds a section of Ullswater Lake, 4 other lakes and a large number of tarns. There are issues in particular with water quality in Glenridding Beck, where there is a problem with wastewater pollution and phosphates. The lakes are at risk from a wide variety of invasive non-native species. Flooding is of major concern here due to the events in December 2015. As yet there has been no assessment of the opportunities for Natural Flood Management in this sub-catchment. However, the integrated flood action plan for Cumbria identified the need for NFM upstream of Glenridding village where woodland creation and management could be used to slow the flow. This could also be used to stabilise banks to reduce the material entering the watercourse. Over 70% of the habitats associated with peat in this sub-catchment show negative condition features. Only a small proportion of this area has been assessed as having high or medium potential for restoration, indeed about half of this area has low potential. These sites are important sites for biodiversity and Map 5.16 shows they are important carbon stores. The upland areas of this sub-catchment show a range of grazing levels, but overall they are reasonably high. There is little woodland in this sub-catchment and it is largely broadleaved, with just under half of this being ancient woodland. These woodland areas provide the highest carbon sequestration (Map 6.2), carbon storage (Map 5.15) and regulation of air quality (Map 6.1) within the sub-catchment. Eighty-seven percent of the catchment is open access and is an important area for recreation (Map 6.5), especially around the larger lakes and the high slopes of Helvellyn, that provide highly appealing visual landscapes (Map 6.3). Overall, understanding the capacity of the sub-catchment for providing the water ecosystem service of flood alleviation is a priority, alongside its importance as an area for the conservation of priority habitats for wildlife, an area significant for recreation, and one that supports important cultural and provisioning services through upland livestock farming. The key is to understand which habitats can be ecologically restored, extended or created to both slow the flow of water, but also to provide a wide range of other ecosystem services such as habitat for wildlife, recreation, aesthetic landscapes, carbon sequestration and water quality. Habitat type, quality and its spatial position will be important. Work in Phase 3 should be targeted at revealing the habitat opportunities that can provide these multiple functions, to reveal which combination of services (and hence which priorities) can be managed where. When exploring opportunities for restoration the most obvious are the peat habitats that the natural capital assessment has shown to have high and medium restoration potential (although this is quite a small area). These upland sites are also heavily grazed, and alternative management to reduce stocking densities could be

Natural Capital Solutions Ltd 94 Natural capital assessments for Braithwaite, Glenridding and Staveley sub-catchments implemented. The opportunities for woodland creation should be considered. This could enhance the flood alleviation service, and provide a range of other services, for example, carbon storage and sequestration. Woodland can also play a role in water purification and erosion control, the latter being a particular problem in the sub- catchment.

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8. Natural capital asset assessment for Staveley The Staveley sub-catchment (Map 8.0) covers an area of 5,583 ha (55.83km2), and is part of the larger Kent and Leven catchment. It includes the headwaters of the Kent in the high hills surrounding Kentmere Reservoir through to the confluence with the Gowan at the village of Staveley, in the bottom south-east corner of the sub- catchment. The Gowan flows towards the Kent from the north west of the sub- catchment, through Dubbs and Borrans reservoirs and the village of Ings. Map 8.0 Staveley sub-catchment. Contains OS data © Crown copyright and database right (2016).

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8.1 Site overview past and present The Staveley sub-catchment has been shaped by human activity over millennia, particularly by farming. This sub-catchment contains a significant area of inbye and early intake fields on the valley floors and lower sides (Archaeology and History Map 8.1). The fells in the very north area escaped enclosure, with recent enclosure on the lower hills in the east and the west. There are pockets of conifer plantations throughout, established in the early 1900s. This landscape history has influenced the mosaic of habitats that characterise the Staveley sub-catchment today. Fourteen broad habitats occur in this area, ranging from montane, upland bog, heather, heather and acid grasslands to freshwater, broadleaved and coniferous woodland, rough and improved grassland (Map 8.2).

8.2 Priority habitats The Staveley sub-catchment encompasses 15 of the terrestrial ‘Habitats of Principal Importance in England’ (Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006 Section 41) covering an area 2,700 ha (48.36% of the sub-catchment). The catchment is dominated by grass moorland (see Map 8.3 Table 8.1), with significant areas of upland heathland, deciduous woodland, grazing marsh and semi-improved grassland. The occurrence of upland flushes, upland hay meadow and blanket bog habitats are significant at a national scale. What is not priority habitat is largely improved, rough and acid grassland. 8.3 Conservation designations Less than one percent (45 ha) of the Staveley sub-catchment is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The River Kent Special Area of Conservation (SAC) also lies within this sub-catchment and in total covers an area of 27 ha (0.5% of Staveley) (Map 8.4). The SSSIs cover a range of habitats (Table 8.2): montane, freshwater, lowland and upland bog. These SSSI sites vary in their condition. Of the 13 units within the 6 SSSI sites, all 5 of the terrestrial ones are favourable, 1 of the freshwater sites is in favourable condition with 4 unfavourable and no change, and 3 are unfavourable but recovering.

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Map 8.1 Staveley sub-catchment archaeology and history. Cultural Landscape © Lake District National Park Authority 2017.

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Map 8.2 Staveley sub-catchment land cover classes. Source: Environment Agency Conditional Licence: CEH Landcover Map 2007, clipped to the Cumbria County boundary – 3rd party IP: CEH.

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Map 8.3 Staveley sub-catchment priority habitats. Source: Natural England Priority habitat inventory for the North of England 2016.

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Table 8.1 NERC Habitat Area in hectares (% of Staveley) Blanket bog 13.2 (0.2) Coastal and floodplain grazing marsh 142 (2.5) Deciduous woodland 154.9 (2.8) Fragmented heath 20.1 (0.4) Good quality semi-improved grassland 79.3 (1.4) Grass moorland 1,808.8 (32.4) Lowland calcareous grassland 1.1 (0.02) Lowland dry acid grassland 8.4 (0.2) Lowland fens 5.8 (0.1) Lowland meadows 4.7 (0.08) Purple moor grass and rush pastures 1.2 (0.02) Traditional orchard 1.1 (0.02) Upland flushes, fens and swamps 10.6 (0.2) Upland hay meadow 11.5 (0.2) Upland heathland 292.5 (5.2) No main habitat but additional habitats present 142.7 (2.6) (Area values rounded up for each habitat type)

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Map 8.4 Staveley conservation designations. Source: Natural England via data.gov.uk.

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Table 8.2 SSSI Area in hectares Habitat and condition (% of the SSSI that occurs in sub- catchment) Blea Water 1.7 (1.7) Blea Water Crag and Racecourse Hill: montane habitats - favourable Stile End 5.9 (100) Earth heritage - favourable Jumb Quarry 1.6 (100) Earth heritage - favourable High Lickbarrow Mires and Pastures 3.2 (16) Unit 4: lowland bog - favourable River Kent and Tributaries 27.4 (28) Dubbs Reservoir: rivers and streams – unfavourable – no change Dubbs Beck: rivers and streams – unfavourable – no change Borrans Reservoir: rivers and streams – unfavourable – no change River Gowan: rivers and streams – unfavourable – recovering Upper Kent in Kentmere: rivers and streams – unfavourable – recovering Kentmere Tarn: rivers and streams – unfavourable – recovering River Kent in Kentmere: rivers and streams – unfavourable – no change Unit 108: rivers and streams – favourable Troutbeck 4.7 (0.6) Yoke to Froswick slopes: upland bog - favourable

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8.4 Freshwater Freshwater habitats are important assets for the provision of ecosystem services such as water supply, and understanding how flood risk can be reduced. They are also the basis for important supporting and regulating services (water purification, nutrient cycling, disease and pest regulation), and are the foundation for many cultural ecosystem services (recreation, spiritual, aesthetics) (UK NEA 2011). The Staveley sub-catchment is fed by the Rivers Kent and Gowan, the river network within the sub-catchment has a total length of 244.03 km. The Kentmere Reservoir is in the north of the catchment at the headwaters of the River Kent. The Dubbs and Borrans Reservoirs are just downstream of the source of the Gowan in the west of the sub-catchment, with Middle Fairbank Reservoir and Stuarts Reservoir in the south. The area includes 28 tarns and reservoirs, in total they cover an area of 0.4 km2 (Table 8.3).

Table 8.3 Tarn Area (m2) Star Crag 126 Rainsbarrow Crag 711 Kentmere Reservoir 166,967 Nr Millriggs 3,761 Nr Kentmere Tarn 263 Kentmere Tarn 59,972 Williamson’s Monument 179 Millrigg Knott 154 Millrigg Knott 124 Millrigg Knott 315 Millrigg Knott 361 Skeggles Water 42,537 Nr Skeggles Water 136 Nr Skeggles Water 401 Dubbs Reservoir 32,937 Borrans Reservoir 33,461 Nr Borrans Reservoir 872 Sour Howes 163 Acretarn Plantation 277 Acretarn Plantation 521 Black Crag Pools north 240

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Black Crag Pools south 633 Kemp Tarn 1,292 Yews 980 High Fairbank 480 Grassgarth 273 Nr Ings 249 Stuarts Reservoir 511 Middle Fairbank Reservoir 47,019

Status of water bodies The map below (Map 8.5) shows the river network in the sub-catchment, the lake water bodies and aquifers. It shows the location of the superficial aquifers (formed of permeable unconsolidated deposits). An area of 1,668 ha of the sub-catchment is designated as a secondary superficial aquifer, with 383 ha designated as unproductive or could not be classified. The whole sub-catchment is a secondary B bedrock aquifer, which stores and yields a limited amount of water. Map 8.5 also shows the areas of land within the sub-catchment that are at risk of flooding. Flood Zone 3 models the areas at risk in a 1 in 100 (1%) or greater chance of fluvial flooding, ignoring the presence of flood defences. Flood Zone 2 models the areas at risk between Zone 3 and the extent of fluvial flooding with a 1 in 1000 (0.1%) chance of flooding each year. There are areas at risk from fluvial flooding north and south of Kentmere, but also on the approach to Staveley, and in Staveley itself. Flood Zone 3 covers an area of 169 ha, and Flood Zone 2 a further 67 ha.

2015 Status and objectives Kent – headwaters to confluence with River Gowan - is designated under the Habitats Directive. Its overall ecological and chemical status good. River Gowan – is designated under the Habitats Directive. Its overall ecological and chemical status good. Dubbs Reservoir – is designated under the Drinking Water Directive, and Habitats Directive. It has moderate ecological status and good chemical status. South Cumbria Lower Palaeozoic and Carboniferous Aquifers - is designated under the Drinking Water Directive. Its quantitative (the amount of groundwater) status is good but chemical status is poor.

Water body risk assessment Kent – headwaters to confluence with River Gowan - at risk from benzo(a)pyrene and copper. INNS include - killer shrimp (Dikerogammarus villosus), North American signal

Natural Capital Solutions Ltd 105 Natural capital assessments for Braithwaite, Glenridding and Staveley sub-catchments crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus), Ponto Caspian shrimp (Dikerogammarus haemobaphes) and Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera).

River Gowan - at risk from benzo(a)pyrene. INNS include - red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), Ponto Caspian shrimp (Dikerogammarus haemobaphes) and Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera).

Dubbs Reservoir - at risk from water abstraction. INNS - topmouth gudgeon (Pseudorasbora parva), killer shrimp (Dikerogammarus villosus), mysid crustacean (Hemimysis anomola), red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), Ponto Caspian shrimp (Dikerogammarus haemobaphes), water fern (Azolla filiculoides and Azolla caroliniana), Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera), curly water-thyme (Lagarosiphon major), Australian swamp stonecrop (Crassula helmsii) and floating pennywort (Hydrocotyle ranunculoides).

South Cumbria Lower Palaeozoic and Carboniferous Aquifers - diffuse pollution from abandoned mines impacts on the Drinking Water Protected Area status, the surface water chemistry and ecology.

Headwater quality The Natural England and CEH natural capital maps include one that is an indicator of water quality. It measures observed and expected presence of invertebrate indicator species in headwater streams and compares these values based on the Biological Monitoring Working Party scores. A higher value indicates that the water quality in headwater streams is better (the highest for the UK is 2.1). The scores are based on invertebrate samples from headwater stream sites as part of the CEH Countryside Survey in 1998 and 2007. Reference invertebrate communities were created and scored, and these were extrapolated to the national level using statistical analyses (Norton et al. 2016). Map 8.6 shows the scores for the headwaters in the Staveley sub- catchment at 1 km square resolution. The highest invertebrate scores in the sub- catchment can be found in the River Gowan to the west of Staveley, with high scores also in the River Kent network, immediately north of Staveley and around Skeggles Water in the East of the sub-catchment.

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Map 8.5 Staveley sub-catchment river network (Rivers Kent and Gowan), lake water bodies, groundwater and flood risk areas (EA zones 2 & 3). Source: Environment Agency.

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Map 8.6 Invertebrates in headwater streams of the Staveley sub-catchment. (mapped at 1 x 1 km). A higher score indicates better water quality. Contains data supplied by Natural Environment Research Council © NERC (Centre for Ecology & Hydrology).

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Map 8.7 Potential annual water abstraction (2013) in the Staveley sub-catchment (mapped at 1 x 1 km). Source: White et al. (2015).

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Water abstraction Potential annual water abstraction in cubic metres from the Staveley sub-catchment mapped at 1 km square resolution (Map 8.7). These data are from the Aecom and Defra mapping of ecosystem services within the Lake District National Park (White et al. 2015). It is derived from data on the volume of water abstracted from surface and ground water resources within the Lake District National Park in 2013. Agricultural water use was excluded from the analyses, so the map reflects water supply, industrial, commercial and public services, energy production, amenity and environmental water use. Water abstraction is high from Kentmere Reservoir. It is moderate from Kentmere Tarn and Skeggles Water in the Kent network, Dubbs and Borrans, Middle Fairbank and Stuarts Reservoirs on the Gowan. The area of high abstraction at the very northern tip of the sub-catchment relates to an adjacent sub-catchment containing Haweswater Reservoir. This occurs because water abstraction rates have been averaged within 1km squares.

History of flooding The Staveley sub-catchment has a history of flooding (EA, CCC 2016). There was a flood event on 5th- 6th December 2015 that affected properties in the villages of Staveley and Ings. It was caused by Storm Desmond, a prolonged and intense rainfall event on an already saturated catchment. Bridges were damaged, banks eroded, gardens flooded and access to roads was blocked. Flooding was from the Rivers Kent and Gowan. Parts of Staveley lie in Flood Zone 3 and are at high risk of fluvial flooding and the town is at risk from surface water flooding. The Cumbria Floods Partnership was formed in response to Storm Desmond and built relationships with communities and stakeholders in the catchments worst effected by the storm, the Derwent, the Eden and the Kent and Leven. There are a number of actions outlined in their ‘First steps toward an integrated catchment plan for Cumbria’ report (EA 2016a). There are no formal flood defences in Staveley, although this town does benefit from a conveyance scheme that directs flood flows through the village on the River Gowan. There are a number of informal defences, e.g. raised walls along the rivers and an embankment downstream of the confluence of the Gowan and Kent. There are a number of actions outlined in the 25-year plan. The long-term defence options in the sub-catchment are focused on upstream storage, improvements to flood channels, raised flood defences and natural flood management. A range of measures are to be developed to slow the flow, reduce erosion and improve water quality in Kentmere and the River Gowan (EA 2016b). There will be on-going monitoring and removal of gravel from the River Gowan around Staveley. There are no flood and coastal erosion risk management programmes of work for the financial year 2017 – 2018.

Natural Flood Management A project has recently been completed that investigated the opportunities for natural flood management (NFM) in Cumbria. NFM is a strategy that works with the processes, features and characteristics of the natural environment to alleviate downstream flood risk, whilst providing a number of other ecosystem service benefits through an enhanced natural capital (Hankin et al. 2016). The project focused on three specific catchments in Cumbria, the Derwent, Kent and Eden. The modelling showed that roughening using woodland planting and peat restoration should be a strategic priority

Natural Capital Solutions Ltd 110 Natural capital assessments for Braithwaite, Glenridding and Staveley sub-catchments in the upper Kent. Peat restoration has significant potential here to ensure that the peak run off from the upper Kent and the Gowan can be de-synchronised (this synchrony being a particular issue in this sub-catchment). The landscapes surrounding the River Gowan network offers the main opportunity for run-off attenuation features and for soil improvements.

8.5 Mountain, moor and heath

Peatland habitats Peat habitats are of conservation value and have highly characteristic species assemblages. In good condition they act as a carbon sink and play an important role in the control of water resources (UK NEA 2011). These habitats face a number of threats that continue to influence their ecology and hydrology, for example, drainage, burning, grazing, peat extraction, infrastructure development and afforestation. Climate change is also causing an increase in decomposition and erosion, exacerbating their deterioration (Carroll 2013). According to the Cumbrian Peat Survey there are 373 ha of peat-forming habitats in the Staveley sub-catchment (upland blanket bog, acid and neutral flush, fens and valley mire, see Map 8.8). Seven of these thirty-one sites are owned by the National Trust, a further one is joint owned by the NT and United Utilities. The ownership of the other sites is not known. Thirty-nine hectares (11%) of the peat-forming habitats fall within SSSI designations. The condition of the peat was assessed by scrutinising aerial imagery for negative condition features e.g. gripped, hagged, bare, eroded, gullied, drained, burnt, peat cutting and wooded (for the definition of these see Carroll (2013) p7). The condition of 80 ha, 21.5% of the peat habitat area, is good. However, the peat condition varies through the catchment, with 293 ha of peat habitats considered as sub-standard. These are one or a combination of bare, hagged, eroded, gripped, cut, burnt, drained and gullied (Map 8.9). The potential for restoring peat is based on the density of potential restoration features (the negative condition features outlined above) within a GIS polygon of the peat map, and the extent of the peat at the scale of the individual fell (Carroll 2013). This is a subjective assessment of the condition of peat based on the potential to physically restore the peat mantle (the assessment did not account for where stocking density could be reduced to ensure success of restoration or prevent further damage (Carroll 2013)). High potential means a high density of features and large extent of peat habitat at the fell-scale. Medium potential indicates a moderate density of features and large extent of peat habitat at the fell-scale. Low means a low density of features within polygon. Unclear indicates that restoration features may be present, but potential is not obvious from aerial imagery (this includes isolated but badly damaged areas). No potential shows that there are no obvious restoration features and none suspected to be present. In Staveley, 20 (222 ha) out of the 31 sites are considered to have a low potential for restoration, 2 sites (71 ha) have medium restoration potential (Map 8.10).

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Map 8.8 Peat habitats in Staveley sub-catchment. Source: Cumbrian Peat Mapping 2013.

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Map 8.9 Peat condition. The condition of the peat was assessed by scrutinising aerial imagery for negative condition features e.g. gripped, hagged, bare, eroded, gullied, drained, burnt, peat cutting and wooded. Source: Cumbrian Peat Mapping 2013.

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Map 8.10 Potential for restoration. The potential for restoring peat is based on the density of potential restoration features (the negative condition features outlined above) within a GIS polygon of the peat map, and the extent of the peat at the scale of the individual fell (Carroll 2013). This is a subjective assessment of the condition of peat based on the potential to physically restore the peat mantle. High potential means a high density of features and large extent of peat habitat at the fell-scale. Medium potential indicates a moderate density of features and large extent of peat habitat at the fell-scale. Low means a low density of features within polygon. Unclear indicates that restoration features may be present, but potential is not obvious from aerial imagery (this includes isolated but badly damaged areas). No potential shows that there are no obvious restoration features and none suspected to be present. Source: Cumbrian Peat Mapping 2013.

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Upland grazing habitats The upland habitat is marginal for agriculture (agricultural land classification of ‘very poor’ or classified as ‘Less Favoured Areas’ (LFA)), but is the basis of the sheep farming industry, and therefore the food production service in this sub-catchment. Average annual grazing levels vary between 0.29 and 0.8 ewes per hectare (Map 8.11). These data were from those farms in the Higher Level Stewardship scheme that have stocking calendars. There is an average annual density of 747 ewes in the sub- catchment. LFA farms depend to a large degree (typically for over 30% of revenue) on public payments through the Single Farm Payment (CAP) and specific agri-environment schemes (Harvey & Scott 2016). Fifty-eight percent of land holdings within the Environmental Stewardship Scheme are Entry level plus Higher Level Environmental Stewardship, two percent are in the Higher Level Stewardship alone, which places restrictions on the density of sheep grazing (Map 8.12). These higher-level agreements cover 72% (4,020 ha) of the area of the sub-catchment. This grazed landscape also has an important role to play in maintaining the ‘distinctive’ landscape and character of the Lake District region. The grazed landscape is, therefore, one of a number of important factors that contributes to the provision of cultural ecosystem services.

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Map 8.11 Livestock grazing in the Staveley sub-catchment. Source: Natural England.

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Map 8.12 Environmental Stewardship agreements in the Staveley sub-catchment. Source: Natural England via data.gov.uk.

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8.6 Woodland Woodland is an important timber resource, but it also provides a wide range of other ecosystem services e.g. air purification, carbon sequestration, water filtration for water quality, flood alleviation, and cultural value. The total area covered by woodland in the Staveley sub-catchment is 240 ha (4.3%). This woodland is largely broadleaved (~67%) with very small pockets of coniferous woodland (Map 8.13, Table 8.4). Twenty- six percent of the wooded area is ancient semi-natural forest with the largest areas on the steep valley sides in the middle of the catchment south of Kentmere. There are some small and discrete pockets of juniper in the catchment, with a total area of 7 ha.

8.7 Open access areas The degree to which a landscape is accessible, especially to walkers, is an indication of the accessibility of nature. This can be measured as an ecosystem service. Map 8.14 shows the areas of the sub-catchment that fall under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (2,030 ha) and other areas designated open access (816 ha).

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Map 8.13 Woodland in the Staveley sub-catchment. Source: Forestry Commission and Natural England.

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Table 8.4 Woodland type Area (ha) Total woodland area (incl. bare ground, shrub 240 and felled areas) Area of which is ancient woodland 63

Mixed broadleaved 161 Conifer 34 Mixed 5 Young 6 Felled 13 Assumed woodland 24 (Area values rounded)

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Map 8.14 Open access areas of Staveley sub-catchment. Source: Natural England via data.gov.uk.

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8.8 Carbon storage The following maps show the capacity of the vegetation and soil to store carbon in the Staveley sub-catchment. Carbon storage is important for climate regulation. White regions on the maps mean that no data were available for that area.

Above ground carbon (vegetation) Forests and other vegetation sequester and store carbon. Map 8.15 shows the mean carbon stored (tonnes per hectare) in above-ground vegetation in the Staveley sub- catchment at 1 km square resolution. This was clipped from the Natural England and CEH map for England. The carbon density of each non-woodland land cover type is estimated based on biomass conversion equations from the scientific literature. Woodland carbon density is estimated using species and age specific data. These were up-scaled using extent of each category from the Land Cover Map 2007 (Henrys et al. 2016). Areas of high carbon storage coincide with pockets of woodland on the slopes adjacent to the River Kent, east of Staveley village, and in the south of the sub- catchment below the River Gowan.

Soil carbon Soil organic carbon plays an important role in soil function as an energy source for maintaining structure, resilience and retaining water (NE, CEH soil carbon report). It is also an important foundation of a number of provisioning and regulating ecosystem services (e.g. nutrient cycling, primary production, climate regulation). Map 8.16 shows the mean carbon stored (tonnes per hectare) in the topsoil (0-15 cm depth) of the Staveley sub-catchment at 1 km square resolution. Soil carbon data is derived from soil samples collected in 591 km squares across England and then extrapolated to other areas using statistical analyses (Henrys et al. 2012a). Much of the sub-catchment has a moderate to high level of carbon stored in the topsoil. Areas with the highest densities coincide with woodland, acid grassland, heather grassland and upland bog habitats. 8.9 Soil properties The following maps characterise different properties of the soil, an important natural capital asset, in the Staveley sub-catchment. White regions on the maps mean that no data was available for that area.

Nitrogen Soil nitrogen is a measure of soil fertility and plays an important role in the process of soil formation. It is also a key aspect of natural capital and is the foundation of supporting ecosystem services (e.g. primary production, nutrient cycling). However, high levels in the soil (e.g. through fertilizer application) can lead to nitrogen being leached into surrounding watercourses, adversely affecting water quality. Map 8.17 shows the total nitrogen concentration (% dry weight of soil) in the topsoil (0-15 cm depth) of the Staveley sub-catchment at 1 km square resolution. Measurements are based on samples collected across 256 1 km squares of England and extrapolated to national level using statistical analyses (Henrys et al. 2012b). The highest levels roughly correspond with the peat-forming habitats (although the LCM 2007 bog habitat does not correspond well with the peat survey data), for example, heather and acid grasslands and upland bog habitats, and lower in areas where improved grassland

Natural Capital Solutions Ltd 122 Natural capital assessments for Braithwaite, Glenridding and Staveley sub-catchments exists. This is consistent with national trends and is thought to be due to large amounts of nitrogen being locked up in the organic matter of peat soils (NE, CEH soil nitrogen report). Map 8.15 The mean carbon stored in above-ground vegetation in the Staveley sub-catchment (mapped at 1 x 1 km). Contains data supplied by Natural Environment Research Council © NERC (Centre for Ecology & Hydrology).

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Map 8.16 Mean carbon stored (tonnes per hectare) in the topsoil (0-15 cm depth) of the Staveley sub-catchment at (mapped at 1 x 1 km). Contains data supplied by Natural Environment Research Council © NERC (Centre for Ecology & Hydrology).

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Map 8.17 Total nitrogen concentration (% dry weight of soil) in the topsoil (0-15 cm depth) of the Staveley sub-catchment (mapped at 1 x 1 km). Contains data supplied by Natural Environment Research Council © NERC (Centre for Ecology & Hydrology).

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Map 8.18 Total Olsen-phosphorus concentration (soil phosphorus available to plants in mg/kg dry soil) in the topsoil (0-15 cm depth) of the Staveley sub-catchment (mapped at 1 x 1 km). Contains data supplied by Natural Environment Research Council © NERC (Centre for Ecology & Hydrology).

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Phosphorus As with nitrogen, phosphorus is a measure of soil fertility, and is an important foundation for supporting ecosystem services, which in turn contributes to food and fibre production and water quality services. As with nitrogen, high levels in the soil through fertilizer application can lead to phosphorus being leached into surrounding watercourses, adversely affecting water quality. Map 8.18 shows the total Olsen- phosphorus concentration (soil phosphorus available to plants in mg per kg dry soil) in the topsoil (0-15 cm depth) of the Staveley sub-catchment at 1 km square resolution. The areas in the sub-catchment that have high phosphorus concentrations appear in km squares with a high proportion of improved grassland habitat. Measurements are based on samples collected across 256 1 km squares of England and extrapolated to national level using statistical analyses based on habitat type and soil parent material (Henrys et al. 2012b). pH Soil pH is important for supporting ecosystem services as with the previous soil properties. It is an indication of soil acidity. Map 8.19 shows the mean pH in the topsoil (0-15 cm depth) of the Staveley sub-catchment at 1 km square resolution. Measurements are based on samples collected across 591 1 km squares of England and extrapolated to national level using statistical analyses based on habitat type and soil parent material (Henrys et al. 2012c). The habitats associated with bog, acid grassland and heath are more acid and so have a lower pH, the higher pH is associated with the areas of improved grassland in the sub-catchment.

Invertebrates Soil invertebrates play an important role in soil processes and functions e.g. transforming nutrients and producing biomass, and enhance soil quality. They therefore play a vital role in supporting and regulating services. Map 8.20 shows the mean estimates of total abundance of invertebrates in topsoil (0-8 cm depth) of the Staveley sub-catchment at 1 km square resolution. Measurements are based on samples collected across 238 1 km squares of England and extrapolated to national level using statistical analyses based on habitat type and soil parent material (Henrys et al. 2012d). The highest densities are in the top two thirds of the sub-catchment where there is a mosaic of acid and heather grasslands, heather, bog and pockets of woodland. Densities are very much lower in the south of the catchment where improved grassland dominates.

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Map 8.19 Mean pH in the topsoil (0-15 cm depth) of the Staveley sub-catchment (mapped at 1 x 1 km). Contains data supplied by Natural Environment Research Council © NERC (Centre for Ecology & Hydrology).

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Map 8.20 Mean estimates of total abundance of invertebrates in topsoil (0-8 cm depth) of the Staveley sub-catchment (mapped at 1 x 1 km). Contains data supplied by Natural Environment Research Council © NERC (Centre for Ecology & Hydrology).

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9. Ecosystem service provision - Staveley One project has comprehensively mapped a range of ecosystem services that can be used in this pioneer sub-catchments study. This is the work completed by Aecom for Defra, mapping the ecosystem services across UK protected areas (White et al. 2015). Aceom and Defra agreed to allow the project access to the GIS data files for the Lake District National Park, and it has been possible to clip the maps to the sub-catchment boundaries. The mapping is at 1km square resolution, so is too coarse for decision- making, also it does not cover some key ecosystem services in the context of this pioneer project, for example, water quality and flood alleviation. However, it does give an indication in this scoping phase as to the spatial distribution and level of provision of a number of ecosystem services. 9.1 Regulation of air quality The regulation of air quality has been measured as the quantity of particulate matter (PM10) of ≤10 μm in size absorbed by habitats. Defra data on annual background concentrations of PM10 were used, along with Land Cover Map 2007 data for habitats across the Lake District National park. The quantity of PM10 absorbed was calculated using the production function in Powe & Willis (2004) (see White et al (2015)). Map 9.1 shows the kg per year (2013) absorption for the Staveley sub-catchment. It is quite variable throughout, with the highest absorption rates coinciding with the woodland areas in the middle and the south of the sub-catchment. 9.2 Climate regulation The climate regulation service uses the annual amount (tonnes) of carbon sequestered by habitats within the Lake District National Park as an indicator. The sequestration rates for different habitats were taken from Christie et al. (2011) and matched with the Land Cover Map 2007 categories. Data on condition of peat in SSSIs were used to alter the carbon sequestration rate where peat was degraded. Map 9.2 shows carbon sequestration in tonnes in the Staveley sub-catchment in 2013. The highest sequestration is found in the woodland areas, with upland bog habitats also contributing. 9.3 Landscape value / aesthetics How the landscape is valued for its visual appeal was quantified by measuring the number of photographs taken of habitats within the Lake District National Park and then uploaded to the Panoramio website (taken from a study by Casalegno et al. 2013). Data from the website was collected along with the number of photos per km2 for each year over a ten year period (2005-2015). This was combined with Land Cover Map 2007 habitat types within each kilometre square and then aggregated across all grid squares to show the number of photos taken in each habitat type. Map 9.3 shows the number of photos taken across the habitats in the sub-catchment from 2005-2015. The most photographed areas within the sub-catchment are where in its northern tip above Blea Water and Haweswater Reservoir, the high crags in the north-west above Kentmere Reservoir, and the hills adjacent to Dubbs and Borrans Reservoirs in the south west.

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Map 9.1 Kg per year absorption of PM10 (2013) for the Staveley sub-catchment (mapped at 1 x 1 km). White et al. (2015).

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Map 9.2 Annual carbon sequestration in tonnes (2013) in the Staveley sub-catchment (mapped at 1 x 1 km). White et al. (2015).

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Map 9.3 The number of photos taken across the habitats in the Staveley sub-catchment from 2005-2015 (mapped at 1 x 1 km). White et al. (2015).

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9.4 Livestock Livestock production was based on data on livestock numbers (livestock type, breeding stock, followers and progeny) from the Defra June Survey (2014). These were converted into Livestock Units (LU) using standard coefficients based on feed requirements for different livestock. LUs were allocated to different habitats based on carrying capacity estimated from a literature review and expert opinion. The average production per unit area of each grazeable habitat was estimated and multiplied by the area of that habitat in each grid square. This gave a measure of LU per hectare. Map 9.4 shows the total livestock production in 2013 for each 1 km grid square in the Staveley sub-catchment. Stocking densities increase from the north of the sub- catchment to the south where they are at their highest. 9.5 Recreation The quantity of recreational and tourist visits to habitats per year was used as an indicator of the recreation ecosystem service. Data on the number of visits were taken from the Cumbrian Visitor Survey 2013 compiled by Cumbria Tourism (formerly the Cumbria Tourist Board) and were visits within the National Park boundary. Only visits related to the natural environment were included. The visits were related to habitat types using the MENE survey. Map 9.5 shows the number of visits in 2013 to the habitats of the Staveley sub-catchment. Recreation levels are lower overall in this sub- catchment that in Glenridding and Braithwaite. Popular areas are in the north of the sub-catchment where there are views towards Kentmere and Haweswater reservoirs, Kentmere Reservoir and Kentmere Pike, and around Skeggles Water. 9.6 Timber and wood fuel production Timber production was measured as the quantity of timber harvested, softwood from coniferous woodland and hardwood from broadleaved woodland (from both publically and privately owned woodland). Average productivity was determined by dividing the total UK production by the area of coniferous and broadleaved woodland. This was then used to estimate production for the extent of woodland in each of the 1 km squares as estimated by Land Cover Map 2007. Map 9.6 shows timber production in tonnes in the Staveley sub-catchment in 2013. The area of high production is in the largest area of woodland just below below Kentmere village. Map 9.7 shows the quantity of woodfuel harvested in each km square of the Staveley sub-catchment in 2013. The proportion of the timber production allocated for woodfuel was estimated using national data from the Forestry Commission. This level of production is similar to the Glenridding sub-catchment. Again the largest area of woodland in this area has the highest production.

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Map 9.4 Total livestock production in 2013 in the Staveley sub-catchment (mapped at 1 x 1 km). White et al. (2015).

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Map 9.5 The number of visits in 2013 to the habitats of the Staveley sub-catchment (mapped at 1 x 1 km). White et al. (2015).

Annual visits < 2303 2303 - 4606 4606 - 6909 6909 - 9212 9212 - 14,825.5

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Map 9.6 Timber production in tonnes in the Staveley sub-catchment in 2013 (mapped at 1 x 1 km). White et al. (2015).

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Map 9.7 Quantity of woodfuel harvested in each km square of the Staveley sub-catchment in 2013 (mapped at 1 x 1 km). White et al. (2015).

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10. Issues and priorities in the Staveley sub-catchment The Staveley sub-catchment supports fifteen priority habitats (Map 8.3), some of national significance. However, <1% of the area is designated a SAC or a SSSI. All of the terrestrial SSSIs are in a favourable condition, with one of the freshwater ones also in favourable condition, and the rest in unfavourable condition. Areas outside the priority habitats are likely to be improved, rough and acid grassland. These habitats showing some of the highest soil phosphorus levels within the catchment (Map 8.18). There are 5 reservoirs and 13 tarns within this sub-catchment. These, along with the River Gowan and the River Kent (headwaters to confluence with the Gowan), have a good ecological and chemical status (apart from moderate ecological status at Dubbs Reservoir). Water quality and ecological issues are associated with benzo(a)pyrene, water abstraction and invasive non-native species. The South Cumbria Lower Palaeozoic and Carboniferous Aquifer is impacted by pollution from abandoned mines. Flooding is of major concern here due to the events in December 2015. Opportunities for Natural Flood Management in this sub-catchment have been assessed, and it has been suggested that the roughening of the upper Kent sub-catchment, using woodland planting of peat restoration, should be a priority. Peat restoration in particular can be used to de-synchronise the peak run off from the upper Kent and the Gowan. In an assessment of peat condition, many of the habitats associated with peat in this sub-catchment show negative condition features (79%). Of these only 71 ha has medium restoration potential, the rest showing low potential. The upland areas at the top and the west side of the this sub-catchment show a range of grazing levels, and in pockets the grazing density can be high. There are fragments of largely broadleaved woodland in Staveley sub-catchment, with a quarter of this being ancient woodland. These woodland areas provide the highest carbon sequestration (Map 9.2), carbon storage (Map 8.15) and regulation of air quality (Map 9.1) within the sub-catchment. Just over 50% of the sub-catchment is open access, and this area is less popular for recreation than the other pilot sub-catchments (Map 9.5). However, there are popular areas especially around the high slopes of the north and north west of the sub- catchment, that provide are regarded as highly appealing landscapes by some (Map 9.3), and around the larger reservoirs and tarns. Overall, understanding the capacity of the sub-catchment for providing the water ecosystem service of flood alleviation is a priority, alongside its importance as an area for the conservation of priority habitats for wildlife, an area important recreation (although less so than the other pilot sub-catchments), and one that supports important cultural and provisioning services through upland livestock farming. The key is to understand which habitats can be ecologically restored, extended or created to both slow the flow of water, but also to provide a wide range of other ecosystem services such as habitat for wildlife, recreation, aesthetic landscapes, carbon sequestration and water quality. Habitat type, quality and its spatial position will be important. Work in Phase 3 should be targeted at revealing the habitat opportunities that can provide these multiple functions, to reveal which combination of services (and hence which priorities) can be managed where.

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The Natural Flood Management assessment in this catchment suggests that peat restoration should be a priority for slowing and de-synchronising peak flows. However, this natural capital assessment shows that the majority of peat habitats have been assessed as having low restoration potential. Future work should be targeted at further understanding the potential for restoration of these sites, and to what extent the restoration of the medium potential sites would help in slowing the flow of water. These upland sites are also heavily grazed, and alternative management to reduce stocking densities could be considered. There are also opportunities for woodland creation here. Woodland cover is quite low, so creating woodland of the correct composition, size and spatial position could enhance the flood alleviation service, but can also provide a range of other services, for example, carbon storage and sequestration.

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11. Overall conclusions from Phase 1

The natural capital within each pilot sub-catchment has been assessed, and the issues and priorities discussed. The issues and challenges within the sub-catchments are broadly similar. For example, the issue of flooding is common to all, upland sheep farming is dominant, there are habitats and species of conservation importance and national significance, and the landscapes are important areas for recreation. Possible solutions to these issues have been discussed in terms of how restoration and creation of habitats can enhance the capacity of the sub-catchments to retain more water, but also how this can provide a range of other ecosystem services. How restoration and creation of habitats can also benefit biodiversity and conservation priorities needs further analyses. This will be the focus of Phase 3 of the Cumbria Catchment Pioneer Pilot Project. Whilst the issues and challenges are similar, how these are prioritised now and in the future are likely to vary between catchments, depending on the needs of the local communities, and the potential of the natural capital. 11.1 Data gaps

Learning and next steps The natural capital data collected here has enabled an understanding of the extent and condition of the natural capital assets in the three sub-catchments. An overview of the ecological and social issues in the area will be key when managing and targeting investments to its natural capital. Such assessments are only as good as the data that can be brought together. Much of the data available on habitats and their condition has historically not been collected with the measurement of ecosystem services in mind, so does not reflect ecosystem service production. However, the odd data set represents an ecosystem service directly (e.g. Natural England and CEH topsoil and above ground carbon), or can be used as an indicator of an ecosystem service (e.g. rights of way as an indicator of access to nature). The mapping of the ecosystem services is part of Phase 3 of the Cumbria Catchment Pioneer Pilot Project, and the data on extent and quality of the natural capital assets will be used in production functions that model ecosystem service provision. Very specific data are needed to feed into the ecological production functions required to model and value ecosystem services provision. The woodland data is perfect for this. However, further data will be required to model other key ecosystem services.

There are data gaps for modelling the following ecosystem services: Flood regulation - accurately quantifying and mapping water flow and flood risk requires information on a number of factors: the impact of land-use and habitats on run-off, the effect that this will have on water (flood) levels, the impact of water levels on flood risk (which depends on the number and location of properties at risk), and the cost of the potential flooding. The whole process requires complex hydrological and flood risk modelling before valuation can take place. This work has been done for Braithwaite and Staveley in Hankin et al. (2016), although they also state that more work is required to be able to produce a valuation (damage avoided costs). Another alternative but complimentary approach would be to model flood alleviation using the CEH LUCI ecosystem services tool kit. This gives a detailed topographical routing of

Natural Capital Solutions Ltd 141 Natural capital assessments for Braithwaite, Glenridding and Staveley sub-catchments water taking into account water storage and infiltration capacity as a function of land use and soil. This can highlight the natural environment’s capacity for flood alleviation, and can be a good place to start stakeholder discussions about natural flood management. How relevant this is given the Hankin et al. work needs some discussion. Water purification – quantifying and mapping this service requires an understanding of the inputs (e.g. nitrates, phosphates, pesticides) into the freshwater system in the surrounding catchment, and the sediment loading. Then the capacity of the natural capital to filter these loadings would need to be assessed. We would require appropriate data for this (soils, erosion modelling using e.g. SCIMAP (which in itself requires land cover and topographic data), point source and diffuse pollution data etc). Some aspects of this have been completed for the Lake District National Park through the National Trust’s Sustainable Land Management Project. The Sustainable Land Options Tool was developed for this project by The James Hutton Institute. They have developed a water cycling model that included nitrogen and sediment retention sub- models along with soil, meteorological, and vegetation data. This produces water purification scores. As yet it remains impossible to value this service. Recreation - data in the form of visitor or visit numbers that is applicable to the scale of the pilot sub-catchments does not exist. There is one source of data that estimates visit numbers (Cumbria Visitor Survey) that would require purchase. However, the lowest level of data is at local authority district level, which is not a fine enough scale. To estimate the recreation ecosystem service we would require data on the number of visitors to the sub-catchments. The valuation of this service is then based on spend per visitor. It is possible that we could make a reasonable estimate of visits using the next phase of the ORVal model developed at Exeter University (the current phase models visits at a scale too coarse for meaningful use here). We can also look at recreation through access to nature. Cultural services - at the moment we do not have any data on the cultural services. This is a common gap in ecosystem services analyses. It is important to understand, when embarking on Phase 3, that there is no one size fits all approach to quantifying the ecosystem service flows from the natural capital assets. A range of ecosystem service toolkits exist, as do a range of models in the scientific literature. All take slightly different approaches, model a different suite of ecosystem services and can map at different spatial resolutions. The most suitable tools and methods should be chosen depending on the scale and natural capital of the sub- catchments, the key ecosystem services that are provided by the natural capital, and the challenges that are present. This Pilot Project poses a particular challenge as the sub-catchments are relatively small-scale landscapes. Most ecosystem service tool kits have been created to model ecosystem service provision across broader scale landscapes (e.g regional or national scales). It is, therefore, important that the natural capital data used and the models or tools chosen can map the ecosystem services at a fine scale (as discussed in section 1.4). This Pilot Project will, therefore, be one of the first projects to apply a comprehensive spatial natural capital approach to small-scale landscapes.

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12. References Carroll, J. (2013) Cumbria Wildlife Trust Cumbria Peat Mapping Report. Penny Anderson Associates Ltd. Casalegno (2013), ‘Spatial Covariance between Aesthetic Value & Other Ecosystem Services’, PLoS One, Vol. 8, No. 6. Christie et al. (2011), ‘Economic Valuation of the Benefits of Ecosystem Services delivered by the UK Biodiversity Action Plan’, Defra Project NE0122, Final Report. EA (Environment Agency) & CCC (Cumbria County Council) (2016) Braithwaite Flood Investigation Report. EA (2016a) Reducing Flood Risk from Source to Sea. First steps toward an integrated catchment plan for Cumbria. EA (2016b) Cumbria Flood Action Plan: Braithwaite Community Action Table. Hankin, B., Craigen, I., Chappell, N.A., Page, T., Metcalfe, P. (2016) Rivers Trust Life – IP Project: Strategic investigation of natural flood management in Cumbria. Technical Report. JBA Consulting. Henrys, P.A.; Keith, A.; Wood, C.M. (2016). Model estimates of aboveground carbon for Great Britain. NERC Environmental Information Data Centre. http://doi.org/10.5285/9be652e7-d5ce-44c1-a5fc-8349f76f5f5c Henrys, P.A.; Keith, A.M.; Robinson, D.A.; Emmett, B.A. (2012a). Model estimates of topsoil carbon [Countryside Survey]. NERC Environmental Information Data Centre. http://doi.org/10.5285/9e4451f8-23d3-40dc-9302-73e30ad3dd76 Henrys, P.A.; Keith, A.M.; Robinson, D.A.; Emmett, B.A. (2012b). Model estimates of topsoil nutrients [Countryside Survey]. NERC Environmental Information Data Centre. http://doi.org/10.5285/7055965b-7fe5-442b-902d-63193cbe001c Henrys, P.A.; Keith, A.M.; Robinson, D.A.; Emmett, B.A. (2012c). Model estimates of topsoil pH and bulk density [Countryside Survey]. NERC Environmental Information Data Centre. http://doi.org/10.5285/5dd624a9-55c9-4cc0-b366-d335991073c7 Henrys, P.A.; Keith, A.M.; Robinson, D.A.; Emmett, B.A. (2012d). Model estimates of topsoil invertebrates [Countryside Survey]. NERC Environmental Information Data Centre. http://doi.org/10.5285/f19de821-a436-4b28-95f6-b7287ef0bf15 Norton, L.; Dunbar, M.; Greene, S.; Scholefield, P. (2016). Headwater stream quality for Britain. NERC Environmental Information Data Centre. http://doi.org/10.5285/85e7beb6- e031-4397-a090-841b8c907d1b

Powe, N., A., & Willis, K.G. (2004) Mortality and morbidity benefits of air pollution (SO2 and PM10) absorption attributable to woodland in Britain. Journal of Environmental Management 70: 119-128. UK National Ecosystem Assessment (2011) The UK National Ecosystem Assessment: Technical Report. UNEP-WCMC, Cambridge. White, C., Dunscombe, R., Dvarskas, A., Eves, C., Finisdore, J., Kieboom, E., Maclean, I., Obst, C., Rowcroft, P. & Silcock, P. (2015) Developing ecosystem accounts for protected areas in England and Scotland: Technical Appendix, Department for Food, Environment & Rural Affairs/ The Scottish Government.

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