& Black Country Local Sites Assessment Report

EcoRec. Ref. No. EcoRec. Site Name EcoRec. Grid Ref. N.C. Designation(s) Date Notified Meadows & n/a Conservation Area SP153911 None n/a Planning Authority Site Ownership Area/Length Reason for Revision Report Date Birmingham Birmingham CC 10.3 hectares New Site 04/10/2017

Meets LS Criteria SLINC Type Wildlife i.e. Wildlife/Geological

Amendment New Site i.e. None; New Site; Upgrade; Downgrade; Extension; Whole/Part Deletion

Description (see map 1) An area of public open space assessed on the basis of maturing habitats and recent habitat creation.

Citation (Summary of Value) Castle Vale Meadows & Conservation Area comprises two meadows created through the strewing of green hay in 2013 (Castle Vale Meadows) and young plantation woodlands, unmanaged neutral grassland, hedgerows and a pond (Castle Vale Conservation Area). The site is managed by the Community Environment Trust and for the purposes of nature conservation, education and community use. More recently a part of the created meadows has become a horse paddock for the nearby equestrian centre. The site is the largest area of publicly accessible greenspace in the area and forms part of a corridor along the River Tame which links the east of Birmingham to the countryside. Since creation the meadows have been managed annually with a late summer cut and removal of the arisings, and support a diverse flora including Green-winged Orchid (Anacamptis morio), Cowslip (Primula veris), Yellow-rattle (Rhinanthus minor agg.) and Quaking grass (Briza media). During survey visits a diverse range of invertebrate and bird species were recorded incidentally.

Local Site Selection Criteria Ecological The site supports a good range of recent spontaneous and created habitats with transitory/edge zones between these. Due to their age, however these are often of low structural diversity and Habitat Diversity M frequently support a similar range of flora. Ongoing conservation management work undertaken to improve the quality of the woodlands, grasslands, pond and hedgerows will no doubt see diversity increase if continued. The overall species diversity of the site is relatively high due to the variety of habitats, natural colonisation and the introductions that have been undertaken. The highest floral species diversity is within the created meadows. Bird and insect diversity is medium, but will likely improve in line Species Diversity M-H with the ongoing habitat management. Butterfly surveys recently undertaken by the Wildlife Trust indicate good populations in the meadows, and incidental sightings during surveys of moth and bee species were frequent. Many of the habitats present on site are common across Birmingham and the Black Country including spontaneous scrub, tall-herb and neutral grassland, whereas most of the woodland on Habitat Rarity M site is of recent planted origin. The pond and meadows are considerably rarer habitats, however, these are of created origin. The majority of flora species recorded are Frequent to Common within Birmingham and The Black Country. A number of Uncommon, Rare and Very Rare species have been recorded, however, Species Rarity M these are predominantly recent introductions. A number of Red and Amber list bird species were recorded during survey visits. In the context of Birmingham’s Local Sites Castle Vale Meadows & Conservation Area is of Size or Extent M medium extent. The landscape is artificial having been regraded during the 20th century. The recent spontaneous Naturalness M and created habitats are comprised of predominantly locally native species. The site forms part of a corridor along the River Tame (SLINC) which links the east of Birmingham Position & Connectivity M to the Warwickshire countryside. The corridor includes Park Hall SINC, Sidings SLINC and Sewage Works SINC. To the west of the site is a series of playing fields. Geological n/a No survey information available Social The site is of local historical significance due to its association with the British Industries Fair and Historical & Cultural M Castle Bromwich Aerodrome, however, no known features from these survive. Access is open with the exception of the paddock. There are footpaths in much of the site. For the Access M-H most part the site is used by the public for dog walking. Public access paths are well maintained and the tall hedgerows and woodlands act as a screen to Aesthetic M surrounding urbanisation. The meadows are arguably the most attractive aspect of the site, particularly in spring. Recorded History M The habitat creation and 20th century history of the site are well recorded. The area is used by the Community Environment Trust for school and community education and Value for Learning H events. The created meadow areas are used by the Wildlife Trust for visits and workshops.

Site Description Castle Vale Meadows & Conservation Area is located to the northeast of the Castle Vale Estate near to the eastern boundary of Birmingham. To the south of the site is the Birmingham to Derby railway line, beyond which is the River Tame and the expansive Park Hall SINC. To the east are playing fields; whilst to the north are residential and commercial buildings and the Castle Vale Equestrian Stables. Beyond the junction of the Walsall and Water Orton branch railway - which forms the south-eastern boundary - is a large industrial park and the Minworth (disused sewage beds) SINC. The site surrounds an area of allotments. The area is predominantly level and comprises regraded ground in what would have been the natural floodplain of the River Tame. Historically the site comprised a typically rural part of Warwickshire adjacent to Berwood Hall Farm. In the early 20th century the wider area became a ‘Sewage Farm’ for the Birmingham Tame & Rea District Drainage Board - the survey site being shown on historic mapping as having old hedgerows removed and rectilinear boundaries installed. By the 1920s these had been partially removed and the area labelled as ‘Playing Fields’. By the late 1930s the British Industries Fair buildings, a Soap Manufactory and Fertiliser Works had been constructed on land to the west, whilst the playing fields became Castle Bromwich Aerodrome. During World War II the airfield was used to test Spitfires and Lancaster bombers manufactured nearby (now JLR). By the 1950s large storage tanks are depicted on the site of Castle Vale Meadows and Conservation Area. In 1960 the area was sold for the construction of the Castle Vale Estate, from which point the survey site is depicted as open ground, with the allotments being in situ by the early 1980s. A 2007 report produced by Atkins Limited states that during investigations undertaken by Birmingham City Council into possible soil contamination they concluded that the area was ‘a tip for incinerator residue and probably raw domestic waste in the years up to 1972. No pits or quarries appear to have existed prior to the tipping and therefore it was concluded by BCC that it was likely that a shallow spreading operation was carried out’. By the 1990s the plantations in the Conservation Area had been created, whilst the site of Castle Vale Meadows was horse paddocks up until the around 2004. At the centre of the site is a large area of grassland comprising meadow and a horse paddock. The southern and eastern areas are comprised of a mosaic of mown and unmanaged grassland, scrub and blocks of planted woodland. A strip of planted woodland forms the northern part of the site. There are a number of formal paths and desire lines which give pedestrian access to most of the site. Clearings in Compartments 5 and 7 are apparently being used for anti-social behaviour. Signs include littering, small fire-pits and evidence of drug use. In 2012 The Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country were approached by the Community Environment Trust regarding the establishment of meadows on the former paddocks, with this being undertaken in July 2013. For the purposes of survey the site has been divided into 11 compartments (see Map 2).

Habitats  Phase 1 Name Phase 1 Code Statutory BAP Priority Habitat NERC P.I. Rarity Broad-leaved woodland - A112 plantation Broad-leaved plantation woodland is present as small blocks across the north, east and south of the site. The largest and most diverse woodland area is present in Compartment 7. The other woodlands are younger and less diverse but contain largely the same species mix. The mature trees include a mixture of Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur), White Poplar (Populus alba), Hazel (Corylus avellana), Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), Field Maple (Acer campestre), Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), White Willow (Salix alba), Goat willow (Salix caprea), Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) and Silver Birch (Betula pendula). The shrub-layer and edge species generally comprise of young Ash (Fraxinus excelsior), Guelder Rose (Viburnum opulus) and Dog Rose (Rosa canina). Most of the woodlands are unmanaged and there is little light penetration to the ground. This has resulted in either a complete lack of field-layer flora or, in some small pockets, a mix of Nettle (Urtica dioica), Bramble (Rubus fructosa agg.), Cow Parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris), Wood Avens (Geum urbanum) and Ivy (Hedera helix). In Compartment 7 recent thinning and underplanting has been undertaken by Community Environment Trust volunteers and the Wildlife Trust. Species including Primrose (Primula vulgaris) were introduced. Scrub & Bramble A21 & A21Rf Dense stands of Bramble have colonised several of the open areas at the borders of grassland and woodland edges. Stands are also present in gaps within the hedgerows of compartment 9 and 10. Typical associates including Nettle, Creeping Thistle (Cirsuium arvense), Rosebay Willowherb (Chamerion angustifolium) and Great Willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum) are frequent throughout. Hemlock (Conium maculatum) is also present in the south of the site adjacent to the railway line (a large population exists just outside of the site associated with the River Tame). Tree and shrub species including Elder (Sambucus nigra), Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) and Willow species (Salix sp.) also grow amongst Bramble in parts of the site. Neutral grassland – B21 Lowland Meadows unimproved Compartments 2 and 4 comprise an ongoing meadow creation and monitoring project undertaken by The Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country. In July 2013 green hay was harvested from donor sites Draycote Meadows SSSI (Warwickshire) and Eades Meadow SSSI (Worcestershire) and strewn on the meadows of Compartment 2 and 4 respectively. Prior to strewing the areas were treated with Glyphosate herbicide to eradicate the existing species-poor sward. Castle Vale Meadows East (Eades meadow receiver) was apparently more species-rich than Castle Vale Meadows West (Draycote Meadows receiver) at the time of survey, although species transfer in both meadows has been successful and these are expected to diversify further given appropriate management. The swards of each are dominated by desirable meadow grasses including Yorkshire Fog (Holocus lanatus), Sweet Vernal Grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum), Red Fescue (Festuca rubra) and Smooth Meadow-grass (Poa pretensis s.l.) with Cock’s-foot (Dactylis glomerata) and False Oat-grass (Arrhenatherum elatius) locally abundant. Both meadows contain several locally Very Rare, Rare and Uncommon species including Green-winged Orchid (Anacamptis morio), Rough Hawk’s-beard (Crepis biennisI), Tormentil (Potentilla erecta), Cowslip (Primula veris), Quaking-grass (Briza media), Fairy Flax (Linum catharticum), Ragged Robin (Silene flos-cuculi) and Yellow-rattle (Rhinanthus minor agg). Other frequent species include Ox-eye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), Common Knapweed (Centauria nigra), Common Bird's Foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lancelota), Meadow Buttercup (Ranunculus acris) and Red Clover (Trifolium pratense). Undesirable species including Nettle, Broad-leaved Dock (Rumex obtusifolius) and Common Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) are locally frequent. In 2015 the northern part of Castle Vale Meadows West was fenced-off for use as a horse paddock (Compartment 1). Despite heavy grazing flora from the meadow creation of 2013 was recorded as surviving in 2017 including Crested Dog’s Tail (Cynosaurus cristatus), Cowslip and Yellow Rattle. Other species include Common Ragwort, Dandelion, Red Clover, Common Mouse-ear (Cerastium fontanum), Dove's Foot Crane's Bill (Geranium molle), Black Medick (Medicago lupulina), White Clover (Trifolium repens) and Daisy (Bellis perennis), with patches of Nettle and Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), and the grasses Cock’s Foot, False Oat-grass and Poa species. Many of these species are also believed to be introductions. Neutral grassland B2 Compartment 3 comprises a strip of neutral grassland that divides the two created meadows. This was left untreated with herbicide and green hay as a control zone in order that the two meadows could be monitored independently. The colonisation of Compartment 3 by introduced species is also being monitored. The sward remains dominated by the original flora of abundant Red Fescue with ubiquitous forbs including Ribwort Plantain, Yarrow and Dandelion, but has also been colonised by Cowslip, Rough Hawk’s-beard and Yellow- rattle. Throughout the rest of the site the neutral grassland is typically unmanaged, rank and species-poor. Frequent species include False Oat-grass, Red Fescue, Yorkshire Fog and Cock’s Foot. The ubiquitous Bramble and tall-herb colonisers typical of unmanaged grassland including Nettle, Rosebay Willowherb, Great Willowherb and Creeping Thistle are frequent throughout, with there being a gradation/mosaic of rank grassland and tall-herb/Bramble in many places. In Compartment 5 the path border is regularly mown and typical forbs including Daisy, White Clover and Dandelion are present amongst the grasses. Compartment 6 is mostly grassland. The northern half is not accessible to the general public and it was noted on the final survey visit (02/10/2017) that this entire section had been mown and was being used for horse grazing. The grassland of the southern half is similar to that in Compartment 5 and appears to be mown, although infrequently. Within Compartment 7 there is a narrow stretch of partially maintained grassland running along the southern border. This section is more diverse than other areas of rank grassland on the site and has been colonised by species such as Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii), Traveller's Joy (Clematis vitalba) and Gorse (Ulex europaeus). Tall ruderal C31 There are several substantial stands of tall ruderal vegetation across the site. The most significant is the strip of vegetation that surrounds the hay-strewn meadows, with species such as Rosebay Willowherb, Creeping Thistle, Nettle and Common Ragwort being the most frequent. Another significant patch of tall ruderal vegetation is present within the northernmost section of Compartment 6. During a site visit on 02/10/17 it was noted this area had been cut and was being used for horse grazing. Where Compartment 5 meets Compartment 6 a pond was constructed which was unsuccessful in retaining water and has since dried- up. The clearing has now been colonised by Nettle-dominated tall-herb with a few young Willow trees. Nettle has also grown over the surfaced path through the woodlands in one section, making it impassable for most of the year. Standing Water G1 Compartment 6 contains the remnants of a manmade pond within a small area that has been fenced off from the public. The pond is almost completely dried-up and the current condition is poor, New Zealand Pigmyweed (Crassula helmsii) having colonised the damp ground along with Common Reed (Phragmites australis). The fence surrounding the area has fallen into disrepair and is broken on the western side. The vegetation immediately surrounding the pond includes False Brome (Brachypodium sylvaticum) and Cock’s Foot (Dactylis glomerata), as well as Water Forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides), American Willowherb (Epilobium ciliatum), Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lancelota) and Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale agg.). An additional pond was recently created in Compartment 5 but was unsuccessful and now comprises a clearing dominated by Common Nettle. Intact/defunct hedgerow / hedgerow J21/J22 / J23 Hedgerows with trees Compartment 8 is an intact hedgerow thought to have been planted approximately 20 years ago, predominantly with Field Maple (Acer campestre). Species including Hawthorn, Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus), Blackthorn (Prunus spinose) and Dog Rose (Rosa canina) have also colonised. Compartment 9 is a recently planted (2015 and 2016) hedgerow which follows the line of a defunct post and rail fence through the centre of Compartment 3 and divides the two created meadows – the aim being to create a hedgerow with standards. Planted species include Hawthorn, Hazel (Corylus avellana), Holly (Ilex aqutiflium), Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur) and Guelder Rose (Viburnum opulus). Elder (Sambucus nigra) which had colonised naturally along the fence line has been incorporated into the new hedgerow. The grassland surrounding the hedge has been recently managed, with competitive species including Creeping Buttercup (Ranunculus repens) having been removed by hand. Compartment 10 is presumed to be of the same age as Compartment 8 but is more varied with additional planted species including Wild Cherry (Prunus avium) and Hazel, and also incorporates older plantings of White Willow (Salix alba). The entire hedgerow has been unmanaged for some time and could be considered outgrown. Towards the east this becomes somewhat defunct with a few large gaps through which desire lines connect to Compartment 4. The species composition here is more varied, with Hazel, Dog Rose and Blackthorn, but is mostly made up of mature Hawthorn. Once it reaches the southwestern corner of the meadow there is a very large gap of approximately 140 metres. New shrubs have been planted here, predominantly hawthorn, to re-establish the barrier. Plans are in place to complete the restoration and establish a continuous hedgerow. The hedgerow comprising Compartment 11 is managed and functions well as a barrier. Towards the east this, however, tapers off into a sparse and unmanaged hedgerow and gaps are frequent and significant. It is dominated by Hawthorn with Hazel, Blackthorn, Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea), and Dog Rose. The field-layer is lush and contains Bramble, Cleavers (Galium aparine) and Nettle. Notes

Species of Note [1] Flora NERC Species Common Name Statutory BAP P.S. RL Rarity Date P.I. Anacamptis morio Green-winged Orchid (i) VR 2017 Briza media Quaking-grass (i) R Ax 2017 Chenopodium bonus- Good King Henry VR 2017 henricus Linum catharticum Fairy Flax (i) U Ax 2017 Silene flos-cuculi Ragged Robin (i) U Ax 2017 Phragmites australis Common Reed U 2017 Potentilla erecta Tormentil (i) U Ax 2017 Primula veris Cowslip (i) U 2017 Prunus padus Bird Cherry (i) U 2017 Rhinanthus minor agg. Yellow-rattle (i) U Ax 2017 Ribes rubrum s.s. Red Currant U 2017 Sanguisorba officinalis Greater Burnet (i) R Ax 2017 Notes (i) = introduction. Fauna NERC Species Common Name Statutory BAP P.S. RL Concern Date P.I. Apus apus Swift A 2017 Cettia cetti Cetti's Warbler WCA S1 2017 Delichon urbicum House Martin A 2017 Hirundo rustica Swallow A 2017 Phylloscopus trochilus Willow Warbler A 2017 Picus viridis Green Woodpecker A 2017 Prunella modularis Dunnock A 2017 Pyrrhula pyrrhula Bullfinch A 2017 Sturnus vulgaris Starling EHD II R 2017 Sylvia communis Whitethroat A 2017 Turdus philomelos Song Thrush EHD II R 2017 Turdus viscivorus Mistle Thrush EHD II A 2017 Rana temporaria Common Frog EHD IV 2017 Notes

Invasive Species [2]

Species Common Name Location Abundance (DAFOR) Crassula helmsii New Zealand Pigmyweed SP15399119 Locally Abundant Notes Carpeting pond in Compartment 6.

Geology Solid/Drift Formation Glacial sand and gravel over mudstones of Mercia Mudstone Group. Description None known. Features of Value 1 None known.

Soils A 2007 report produced by Atkins (Castle Vale Equestrian Centre Assessment, Atkins Limited, 2007) states that ‘In 2005 the site was determined as Contaminated Land as defined by Section 78A (2) of Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 by Birmingham City Council on the basis that there is a significant possibility of significant harm to human health as a result of the presence of substances (chromium and nickel) in, on or under the land. These contaminants were identified following intrusive investigations undertaken by BCC in 2004 and detailed quantitative risk assessment’. The report concluded that ‘Based on the results of the Risk Assessment Action it is concluded that the levels of chromium and nickel at the Site are unlikely to present a significant possibility of significant harm to human health’. The following are results of soil analysis undertaken by EuroFins on samples collected by Wildlife Trust staff in the area of the created meadows on the 25.10.2012. Lime Lime Extractable Extractable Extractable requirement requirement Phosphorus Potassium Magnesium Total Nitrogen pH Texture (arable) (grassland) mg/l mg/l mg/l tonne/ha tonne/ha (Index) (Index) (Index) 0.35 g/100 g Sandy Silt 6.5 0.00 0.00 13 (1) 150 (2-) 112 (3) DM Loam

Comparison with Previous Survey(s) Results Previous survey information is held only for the areas subject to hay strewing in 2013. This was recorded as being dominated by Red Fescue with a small number of common forbs.

Public Access & Site usage Land Use Public Open Space Access Level Unrestricted Access Type(s) Public Open Space

Summary of Assessment Castle Vale Meadows & Conservation Area is a valuable local wildlife site comprised of recent spontaneous and created habitats, some of which are uncommon in Birmingham and the Black Country. Of particular note are the meadows created in 2013. The site forms part of an important corridor and has good ecological links with a number of other sites of high ecological value. The site is likely to become of increasing local importance due to the imminent loss of much of the Wildlife Trust’s Park Hall nature reserve - which lies immediately across the River Tame - to the construction of HS2. When assessed against the Birmingham & Black Country Local Sites Selection Criteria the site scores Medium against most of the ecological criteria. The site therefore meets the threshold for selection as a Site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation (SLINC).

Document Information

Habitat Data Source(s) Erin Madden, Emily Marshall, Alison Wilkes, Tom Hartland Smith, The Wildlife Trust for (most recent first) Birmingham and the Black Country, 2017. Erin Madden, Emily Marshall, Alison Wilkes, Tom Hartland Smith, The Wildlife Trust for Species Data Source(s) Birmingham and the Black Country, 2017. (most recent first) EcoRecord data search 2017. Geology Data Source(s) British Geological Society 1:625,000 bedrock & superficial deposits GIS layers from BGS website: (most recent first) www.bgs.ac.uk/downloads/browse.cfm?sec=6&cat=11.

Historic Information Ordnance Survey County Series Mapping 1887 - 1991. Castle Vale Equestrian Centre Sources(s) Assessment, Atkins Limited (2007). Erin Madden, Emily Marshall, The Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country. Edited by Author/Organisation/Company Simon Atkinson, The Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country.

[1] HABITATS/SPECIES OF NOTE TABLES – ATTRIBUTE DEFINITIONS STATUTORY (PROTECTED) - EHD = EU Habitats Directive (plus where relevant the Annexe II or IV). PBA = Protection of Badgers Act 1992. WCA S1 = Wildlife & Countryside Act Schedule 1 (birds protected at all times). WCA S5 = Wildlife & Countryside Act Schedule 5 (animals with various levels of protection). WCA S8 = Wildlife & Countryside Act Schedule 8 (higher and lower plants with various levels of protection). BAP – Habitats/Species included on current UK BAP list of Priority Habitats/Species. NERC P.I. - Habitats/Species included on current list of Principal Importance in under Section 41 of the NERC Act (2006). RL - Species included on Global IUCN & British Red Lists (Red Data Books). RARITY (HABITATS) - BIRMINGHAM & BLACK COUNTRY - Habitats included on the B&BC list of locally rare habitats (administered by EcoRecord). RARITY (FLORA SPECIES) - BIRMINGHAM & BLACK COUNTRY - (based on data held and managed by EcoRecord). VR = Very Rare - a species present in less than 1.0% of 1Km squares, tetrads, or 5Km squares in B&BC. R = Rare - a species present in 1.0% - 4.3% of 1Km squares, tetrads, or 5Km squares in B&BC. U = Uncommon - a species present in 4.3% - 12% of 1Km squares, tetrads or 5Km squares in B&BC. Ax = axiophytes BSBI has defined axiophytes as follows: • Species 90% restricted to habitats of nature conservation importance • Species recorded in fewer than 25% of tetrads • Very rare species should be considered for omission as chance occurrences • See http://www.bsbi.org.uk/axiophytes • There is a need to apply these criteria with discretion

CONCERN (FAUNA SPECIES OF CONSERVATION CONCERN) - Birds: R = Red List - species that are Globally Threatened according to the International Union for Nature Conservation criteria; those whose population or range has declined rapidly in recent years; and those that have declined historically and not shown a substantial recent recovery. A = Amber List - species with an unfavourable conservation status in Europe; those whose population or range has declined moderately in recent years; those whose population has declined historically but made a substantial recent recovery; rare breeders; and those with internationally important or localised populations. Mammals: ND = National Decline and ED = England Decline as measured by the Mammal Societies Table of Recent Population Changes in the Native Species of Land Mammals. Invertebrates: RD = Regional Decline identified in Butterfly Conservation Regional Action Plan. DATE - The most recent date the species has been recorded.

[2] Species listed on Schedule 9 part 1 (animals) and part 2 (plants) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as amended - this lists animals which may not be released or allowed to escape into the wild and plants which may not be planted or otherwise caused to grow in the wild.

Management Brief Action Objective & Rationale Method Timings 1 Site re-assessment Due to recent habitat creation and planned future management it Undertake Local Sites Assessment survey and submit report findings to 2022 is likely that the site will continue to increase in ecological value. It Local Sites Partnership. is therefore recommended that the site is reassessed in five years’ time. 2 Continue meadow Botanical surveys should continue to be carried out to track the 1. Leave area uncut from November – August. Annually as method. management development of the meadows. The meadows are likely to improve 2. Cut & remove arisings in first week of August. with continued appropriate management but may rapidly decline if this is not undertaken. 3. Gang mow (removing arisings if possible) August – October.  If there is an extensive problem with non-target perennial species such as Broad-leaved Dock or Nettle, then localised herbicide may be applied during the autumn or spring growing season.

3 Manage tall-herb with Tall-herb vegetation is an important habitat for many species Divide tall-herb into plots and cut one fifth of these each autumn with Late September/ October rotational cut pollinating insects, butterflies, small mammals and birds. Tall-herb strimmers/brush cutters. is, however, a transitory habitat and this will succeed to scrub if left unmanaged. Rotational cutting allows for overwintering of a range of fauna species in those areas left uncut. 4 Improve structure of Existing plantations should be improved/planted with the aim of Thin by 40% to 60%. Treat stumps of 80% of thinned trees with Winter – October to March woodlands creating woodland which is similar in composition and structure to herbicide to prevent regrowth, with the remainder left to regrow as multi- local old (or ancient as defined by Natural England) ‘reference’ stemmed individuals. Crown-lift remaining trees where appropriate to woodlands. The nearest ancient woodlands to Castle Vale are improve sightlines. across the River Tame in Park Hall Nature Reserve. Plant appropriate tree and shrub species including Pedunculate Oak, Plantations should be managed for a canopy of mature ‘standard’ Field Maple, Small-leaved Lime, Wild Cherry, Hazel, Alder Buckthorn, trees with an understorey of shrubs and multi-stemmed trees. Crab Apple, Rowan and Guelder Rose. Such structural diversity is aesthetically attractive, allows access and will enable a greater diversity of flora and fauna species to colonise and utilise the woodland. 5 Increase field-layer Plantations have been or are likely to be colonised by ubiquitous Once thinned, appropriate field-layer flora should be introduced in Seeding autumn, planting diversity in woodlands field-layer species, whilst many valuable woodland field-layer appropriate areas – e.g. where there is bare ground. Plant species spring – March to May species associated with old woodlands are unlikely to colonise should be sourced locally where possible. Species to be introduced as naturally due to their poor dispersal mechanisms. Native field-layer seed to include Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), Bluebell (Hyacinthoides species present in local old woodlands should therefore be non-scripta) and Red Campion (Silene dioica). Appropriate field-layer introduced as plants or seed. species to introduce as plants include Wood Anemone (Anemone nemorosa), Yellow Archangel (Lamiastrum galeobdolon), Wood-sorrel (Oxalis acetosella) and Greater Stitchwort (Stellaria holostea). 6 Eradicate New Zealand This species is highly invasive and can be transferred easily to It should be noted that this Pigmyweed is under Schedule 9 The Wildlife Dependant on method, Pigmyweed (Crassula other areas and other sites through small stem fragments. and Countryside Act (1981) meaning it is illegal to plant or otherwise further investigation helmsii) This species has carpeted the surface of the pond and the grow in the wild. required. surrounding area, reducing the potential for native fauna to There are two commonly used methods of tackling Crassula. The first is establish. to starve the affected area of light, covering it in matting or black sheeting which should reduce the species coverage if not eradicate it. It might be necessary to repeat this method several times as it is not always 100% effective. Management Brief Action Objective & Rationale Method Timings The second method is to treat the affected area with glyphosate by a certified pesticide operator. However, a new technique has been developed where machinery is used to apply boiling water onto the area, which will kill all floral species without any lasting effects from chemical input and is safe to use on watercourses. An examination of each of these options in more detail is recommended and further investigation of the area would be necessary. 7 Redefine the pond in Ponds are highly valuable and can provide suitable habitat and Once the New Zealand Pigmyweed has been treated the pond area Autumn. Compartment 6 food sources for a wide range of terrestrial and aquatic species. should be re-excavated, filled with rainwater and restocked with locally native flora. To benefit fauna including amphibians, a section of long grass and tall vegetation should be left in close proximity to the pond, within the fenced area, as foraging habitat. Rebuilding the wooden fence would be beneficial during this process to reduce disturbance and allow the plants to establish. 8 Manage new hedgerows Weeding encroaching vegetation will enable the recently planted Ensure hedge plants have reached a minimum height of 2 metres and a Weeding to be undertaking hedgerow to thrive without the stress of competing for light and base stem width of 50 – 100mm before laying. during growing season. water with competitive grass and other species. Also ensure that remnants of the old fence line are removed prior to Hedge-laying between the Once the trees have developed and matured, the hedge can be laying. end of October and the end laid. of March, avoiding periods of frost and ensuring fruit is no longer on trees. 9 Restore hedgerows Where there are gaps in hedgerow these should be planted with Plant-up gaps in hedgerow with suitable locally native tree and shrub Plant trees and shrubs and trees and shrubs to create a continuous feature. species. If feasible a bank and ditch should be constructed in large seed in autumn/winter. gaps and the hedgerow planted atop the bank. Plant field-layer species in Plant with field-layer seed and plant mix similar to that suggested for spring. the woodland field-layer enhancements.

Species Lists

FLORA

Compartment 1: Castle Vale Meadows Paddock Scientific Name Common Name Achillea millefolium Yarrow Arrhenatherum elatius False Oat Grass Bellis perennis Daisy Cardamine protensis Cuckooflower Cerastium fontanum Common Mouse-ear Cynosaurus cristatus Crested Dog's Tail Dactylis glomerata Cock's Foot Geranium molle Dove's Foot Crane's Bill Holocus lanatus Yorkshire Fog Medicago lupulina Black Medick Plantago lancelota Ribwort Plantain Poa sp. - Primula veris Cowslip Ranunculus acris Meadow Buttercup Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup Rhinanthus minor agg. Yellow-rattle Rumex conglomerata Clustered Dock Senecio jacobaea Common Ragwort Silene dioica Red Campion Taraxacum office. agg. Dandelion Trifolium pratense Red Clover Trifolium repens White Clover Urtica diocia Common Nettle Vicia sativa spp. segetalis Common Vetch

Compartment 2: Castle Vale Meadows west Scientific Name Common Name Achillea millefolium Yarrow Alopecurus pratensis Meadow Foxtail Anacamptis morio Green-winged Orchid Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal Grass Arrhenatherum elatius False Oat Grass Bellis perennis Daisy Briza media Quaking grass Bromus h. ssp hordeaceus Soft Brome Cardamine hirsuta Hairy Bittercress Centauria nigra Common Knapweed Cerastium fontanum Common Mouse-ear Chamerion angustifolium Rosebay Willowherb Cirsuium arvense Creeping Thistle Crepis biennis Rough Hawk's-beard Crepis capillaris Smooth Hawk's-beard Cynosaurus cristatus Crested Dog's Tail Dactylis glomerata Cock's Foot Festuca rubra Red Fescue Galium verum Lady's Bedstraw Geranium dissectum Cut Leaved Crane's Bill Heracleum sphondylium Hogweed Holocus lanatus Yorkshire Fog Hypochaeris radicata Cat's Ear Leontodon hispidus Rough Hawkbit Leucanthemum vulgare Oxeye Daisy Linum catharticum Fairy Flax Lolium perenne Perennial Rye Grass Lotus corniculatis Common Bird's Foot Trefoil Luzula campestris Field Wood-rush Lychnis flos-cuculi Ragged Robin Trisetum flavescens Yellow Oat Grass Medicago lupulina Black Medick Phleum pratense Timothy Plantago lancelota Ribwort Plantain Poa pretensis s.l. Smooth Meadow-grass Primula veris Cowslip Prunella vulgaris Selfheal Ranunculus acris Meadow Buttercup Ranunculus bulbosus Bulbous Buttercup Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup Rhinanthus minor agg. Yellow-rattle Rumex acetosa Common Sorrel Rumex conglomerata Clustered Dock Rumex obtusifolius Broad-leaved Dock Sanguisorba minor Salad Burnet Senecio jacobaea Common Ragwort Silene dioica Red Campion Silene vulgaris Bladder Campion Taraxacum office. agg. Dandelion Tragopogon pratensis Goat's-beard Trifolium pratense Red Clover Trifolium repens White Clover Urtica diocia Common Nettle Veronica chamaedrys Germander Speedwell Vicia hirsuta Hairy Tare Vicia sativa spp. segetalis Common Vetch

Compartment 3: Castle Vale Meadows control area Scientific Name Common Name Achillea millefolium Yarrow Arrhenatherum elatius False Oat Grass Bromus h. ssp hordeaceus Soft Brome Cirsium arvense Creeping Thistle Dactylis glomerata Cock's Foot Festica rubra Red Fescue Heracleum sphondylium Hogweed Papaver rhoeas Common Poppy Plantago lancelota Ribwort Plantain Ranunculus acris Meadow Buttercup Reseda lutella Weld Rhinanthus minor agg. Yellow-rattle Rubus fructosa agg. Bramble Senecio jacobaea Common Ragwort Taraxacum office. agg. Dandelion Urtica diocia Common Nettle Vicia sativa spp. segetalis Common Vetch

Compartment 4: Castle Vale Meadows East Scientific Name Common Name Achillea millefolium Yarrow Alopecurus geniculatas Marsh Foxtail Alopecurus pratensis Meadow Foxtail Anacamptis morio Green-winged Orchid Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal Grass Briza media Quaking grass Bromus h. ssp hordeaceus Soft Brome Cardamine protensis Cuckooflower Centauria nigra Common Knapweed Cerastium fontanum Common Mouse-ear Cirsuium arvense Creeping Thistle Crepis biennis Rough Hawk's-beard Cynosaurus cristatus Crested Dog's Tail Dactylis glomerata Cock's Foot Festuca rubra Red Fescue Fuinaria officinalis Common Fumitory Geranium dissectum Cut Leaved Crane's Bill Geranium molle Dove's Foot Crane's Bill Heracleum sphondylium Hogweed Holocus lanatus Yorkshire Fog Hypochaeris radicata Cat's Ear Lotus corniculatis Common Bird's Foot Trefoil Luzula campestris Field Wood-rush Medicago lupulina Black Medick Myosotis arvensis Field Forget-me-not Plantago lancelota Ribwort Plantain Poa pretensis s.l. Smooth Meadow-grass Primula veris Cowslip Ranunculus acris Meadow Buttercup Ranunculus bulbosus Bulbous Buttercup Rhinanthus minor agg. Yellow-rattle Rumex acetosa Common Sorrel Rumex conglomerata Clustered Dock Senecio jacobaea Common Ragwort Taraxacum office. agg. Dandelion Trifolium pratense Red Clover Trifolium repens White Clover Urtica diocia Common Nettle Veronica arvenis Wall Speedwell Veronica chamaedrys Germander Speedwell Vicia hirsuta Hairy Tare Vicia sativa spp. segetalis Common Vetch

Compartment 5 Scientific Name Common Name Acer campestre Field Maple Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore Achillea millefolium Yarrow Alliaria petiolata Garlic Mustard Anisantha sterilis Barren Brome Anthriscus sylvestris Cow Parsley Bellis perennis Daisy Betula pendula Silver Birch Bryonia dioica White Bryony Buddleja davidii Butterfly Bush Cerastium fontanum Common Mouse-ear Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle Cirsuium arvense Creeping Thistle Conium maculatum Hemlock Convolvulus arvensis Field Bindweed Cornus sanguinea Dogwood Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Cystisus scoparius Broom Dactylis glomerata Cock's Foot Epilobium hirsutum Great Willowherb Festuca rubra Red Fescue Galium aparine Cleavers Geranium dissectum Cut Leaved Crane's Bill Geranium molle Dove's Foot Crane's Bill Geranium robertianum Herb Robert Glechoma hederacea Ground-ivy Hedera helix Ivy Heracleum sphondylium Hogweed Holocus lanatus Yorkshire Fog Hyacinthoides hispanica Spanish Bluebell Hypericum perforatum Perf. St. John's Wort Lamiumalbum White Dead Nettle Ligustrum vulgare Wild Privet Lolium perenne Perennial Rye Grass Pinus contorta Lodgepole Pine Plantago lancelota Ribwort Plantain Plantego major Greater Pantain Poa annua Annual Meadow-grass Poa pretensis s.l. Smooth Meadow-grass Populus alba White Poplar Populus tremula Aspen Prunus avium Wild Cherry Prunus padus Bird Cherry Quercus robur Pedunculate Oak Ranunculus acris Meadow Buttercup Ranunculus bulbosus Bulbous Buttercup Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup Rosa canina Dog Rose Rubus fructosa agg. Bramble Rubus ideaus Raspberry Rumex conglomerata Clustered Dock Salix alba White Willow Salix caprea Goat Willow Sambucus nigra Elder Senecio jacobaea Common Ragwort Silene dioica Red Campion Sorbus intermedia agg. Swed' Whitebeam Taraxacum office. agg. Dandelion Trifolium repens White Clover Ulex europaeus Gorse Urtica diocia Common Nettle Veronica chamaedrys Germander Speedwell Vicia sativa spp. segetalis Common Vetch

Compartment 6 Scientific Name Common Name Acer campestre Field Maple Achillea millefolium Yarrow Agrostis capillaris Common Bent Alliaria petiolata Garlic Mustard Anisantha sterilis Barren Brome Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal Grass Anthriscus sylvestris Cow Parsley Arrhenatherum elatius False Oat Grass Artemisia vulgaris Mugwort Bellis perennis Daisy Betula pendula Silver Birch Blitum bonus-henricus Good King Henry Brachypodium sylvaticum False Brome Bromus h. ssp hordeaceus Soft Brome Bryonia dioica White Bryony Calystegia sepium Hedge bindweed Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherd's-purse Centauria nigra Common Knapweed Cerastium fontanum Common Mouse-ear Chamerion angustifolium Rosebay Willowherb Cirsuium arvense Creeping Thistle Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle Conyza sp. - Cornus sanguinea Dogwood Corylus avellana Hazel Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Crepis vesicaria Beaked Hawk's-beard Crassula helmsii New Zealand Pygmyweed Cynosaurus cristatus Crested Dog's Tail Dactylis glomerata Cock's Foot Elytrigia repens Common couch Epilobium ciliatum American Willowherb Epilobium hirsutum Great Willowherb Festuca rubra Red Fescue Fraxinus excelsior Ash Galium aparine Cleavers Geranium dissectum Cut Leaved Crane's Bill Geranium robertianum Herb Robert Hedera helix Ivy Heracleum sphondylium Hogweed Holocus lanatus Yorkshire Fog Hypochaeris radicata Cat's Ear Lactuca serriola Prickly Lettuce Lathyrus pratensis Meadow Vetchling Ligustrum vulgare Wild Privet Lolium perenne Perennial Rye Grass Lonicera periclymenum Honeysuckle Lotus corniculatis Common Bird's Foot Trefoil Matricaria discoidea Pineapple Weed Matricaria recutita Scented Mayweed Melilotus altissimus Tall Melilot Myosotis scorpioides Water Forget-me-not Persicaria maculosa Redshank Phleum pratense Timothy Phragmites australis Common Reed Plantago lancelota Ribwort Plantain Plantego major Greater Pantain Poa annua Annual Meadow-grass Poa pretensis s.l. Smooth Meadow-grass Poa trivialis Rough Meadow-grass Populus alba White Poplar Potentilla erecta Tormentil Prunus avium Wild Cherry Quercus robur Pedunculate Oak Ranunculus acris Meadow Buttercup Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup Reseda lutella Weld Rosa canina Dog Rose Rubus fructosa agg. Brambe Rumex obtusifolius Broad-leaved Dock Salix alba White Willow Salix caprea Goat Willow Sambucus nigra Elder Senecio jacobaea Common Ragwort Silene latifolia White Campion Sisymbrium officinale Hedge Mustard Sonchus asper Prickly Sow-thistle Stellaria graminea Lesser Stitchwort Taraxacum office. agg. Dandelion Tilia x vulgaris Lime Trifolium dubium Lesser Trefoil Trifolium pratense Red Clover Trifolium repens White Clover Urtica diocia Common Nettle Viburnum opulus Guelder Rose Vicia hirsuta Hairy Tare Vicia sativa spp. segetalis Common Vetch

Compartment 7 Scientific Name Common Name Acer campestre Field Maple Acer plantanoides Norway Maple Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore Achillea millefolium Yarrow Aesculus hippocastanum Horse Chestnut Alliaria petiolata Garlic Mustard Anthriscus sylvestris Cow Parsley Arrhenatherum elatius False Oat Grass Bellis perennis Daisy Betula pendula Silver Birch Bromus h. ssp hordeaceus Soft Brome Buddleja davidii Butterfly Bush Cardamine flexuosa Wavy Bitter-cress Castanea sativa Sweet Chestnut Centauria nigra Common Knapweed Cerastium fontanum Common Mouse-ear Chamerion angustifolium Rosebay Willowherb Cirsuium arvense Creeping Thistle Clematis vitalba Traveller's Joy Convolvulus arvensis Field Bindweed Cornus sanguinea Dogwood Corylus avellana Hazel Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Crepis vesicaria Beaked Hawk's-beard Cynosaurus cristatus Crested Dog's Tail Dactylis glomerata Cock's Foot Dryopteris filix-mas agg. Male Fern Epilobium ciliatum American Willowherb Epilobium hirsutum Great Willowherb Epilobium montanum Broad-lvd Willowherb Festuca rubra Red Fescue Fraxinus excelsior Ash Galium aparine Cleavers Geranium dissectum Cut Leaved Crane's Bill Geranium robertianum Herb Robert Geum urbanum Wood Avens Hedera helix Ivy Hieracium sp. Hawkweed (sep. form) Holocus lanatus Yorkshire Fog Hypericum perforatum Perf. St. John's Wort Hypochaeris radicata Cat's Ear Ilex aqutiflium Holly Lactuca serriola Prickly Lettuce Lamium purpureum Red Dead Nettle Lathyrus pratensis Meadow Vetchling Leontodon hispidus Autumnal Hawkbit Ligistrum ovalifolium Garden Privet Lotus corniculatis Common Bird's Foot Trefoil Medicago lupulina Black Medick Plantago lancelota Ribwort Plantain Plantego major Greater Pantain Poa annua Annual Meadow-grass Poa trivialis Rough Meadow-grass Populus alba White Poplar Potentilla reptans Creeping Cinqefoil Prunus avium Wild Cherry Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Quercus robur Pedunculate Oak Ranunculus acris Meadow Buttercup Ranunculus bulbosus Bulbous Buttercup Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup Ribes rubrum Red Currant Rosa canina Dog Rose Rubus fructosa agg. Bramble Rubus ideaus Raspberry Rumex conglomerata Clustered Dock Salix alba White Willow Salix caprea Goat Willow Sonchus asper Prickly Sow-thistle Sorbus aucuparia Rowan Stellaria graminea Lesser Stitchwort Stellaria graminea Common Chickweed Symphoricarpos albus Snowberry Tamis communis Black Briony Taraxacum office. agg. Dandelion Tragopogon pratensis Goat's-beard Trifolium repens White Clover Ulex europaeus Gorse Urtica diocia Common Nettle Viburnum opulus Guelder Rose Vicia hirsuta Hairy Tare Vicia sativa spp. segetalis Common Vetch

Compartment 8 Scientific Name Common Name Acer campestre Field Maple Betula pendula Silver Birch Corylus avellana Hazel Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Prunus avium Wild Cherry Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Quercus robur Pedunculate Oak Rosa canina Dog Rose Salix alba White Willow Sambucus nigra Elder Symphoricarpos albus Snowberry Viburnum opulus Guelder Rose

Compartment 9 Scientific Name Common Name Corylus avellana Hazel Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Ilex aqutiflium Holly Quercus robur Pedunculate Oak Rosa canina Dog Rose Sambucus nigra Elder Viburnum opulus Guelder Rose

Compartment 10 Scientific Name Common Name Corylus avellana Hazel Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Rosa canina Dog Rose Sambucus nigra Elder Viburnum opulus Guelder Rose

Compartment 11 Scientific Name Common Name Cornus sanguinea Dogwood Corylus avellana Hazel Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Galium aparine Cleaver Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Rosa canina Dog Rose Rubus fructosa agg. Bramble Urtica diocia Common Nettle

FLORA – whole site

Birds Scientific Name Common Name Aegithalos caudatus Long-tailed Tit Apus apus Swift Buteo buteo Buzzard Carduelis carduelis Goldfinch Carduelis chloris Greenfinch Cettia cetti Cetti's Warbler Columba palumbus Wood Pigeon Corvus corone Crow Cyanistes caeruleus Blue Tit Delichon urbica House Martin Erithacus rubecula Robin Fringilla coelebs Chaffinch Hirundo rustica Swallow Phylloscopus trochilu Willow Warbler Pica pica Magpie Picus viridis Green Woodpecker Prunella modularis Dunnock Pyrrhula pyrrhula Bullfinch Sternidae sp. Gull sp. Sturnus vulgaris Common Starling Sylvia communis Whitethroat Troglodyes troglodytes Wren Turdus merula Blackbird Turdus philomelos Song Thrush Turdus viscivorus Mistle Thrush

Invertebrates Scientific Name Common Name Anania hortulata Small Magpie Moth Anthocharis cardamines Orange Tip Aphantopus hyperantus Ringlet butterly Arctia caja Tiger Moth Bombus hypnorum Tree bumblebee Bombus lapidarius Red-tailed Bumblebee Bombus pascuorum Carder Bee Bombyliidae sp. Beefly sp. Callistege mi Mother Shipton Moth Cantharidae sp Soldier Beetle Celastrina argiolus Holly Blue Chorthippus parallelus Meadow Grasshopper Gonepteryx rhamni Brimstone Lasius flavus Meadow Ant Maniola jurtina Meadow Brown Metrioptera roeselii Roesel's Bush Cricket Ochlodes sylvanus Large Skipper Pararge aegeria Speckled Wood Pyrochroa serraticornis Cardinal Beetle Pyronia tithonus Gatekeeper Syrphidae sp. Hoverfly Tineola bisselliella Carpert Moth Tipulidae sp. Cranefly sp. Tyria jacobaeae Cinebar Moth Tytthaspis 16-punctata 16 Spot Ladybird Vespula vulgaris Common Wasp Zygaena sp. Burnet moth sp.

Amphibians Scientific Name Common Name Rana temporaria Common European Frog

Mammals Scientific Name Common Name Vulpes vulpes Red Fox

Site Photographs

Green-winged Orchids and Cowslip in Castle Vale Meadows East, May 2017

Abundant Cowslip in Castle Vale Meadows West, May 2017

Created meadow area now a horse paddock with abundant Cowslip and other remnant meadow flora, May 2017.

Amenity grassland and young plantation woodland in south of site, May 2017.

Recently planted hedgerow in buffer strip between the two created meadows, May 2017.