Doncaster Local Wildlife and Geological Sites System

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Appendix A – Local Site Selection Guidelines

Supplementary Planning Document August 2010

Doncaster Local Development Framework

www.doncaster.gov.uk

Acknowledgements

The production of these Local Site selection guidelines for wildlife and geological sites would not have been possible without the knowledge and efforts of the review panels and all those individuals who contributed information, advice and support. The Local Sites Partnership would like to extend thanks to all involved. The Partnership would also like to acknowledge the efforts of the North Yorkshire SINC Panel in their production of Selection Guidelines for North Yorkshire. This exemplary publication has helped to inform the development of Doncaster Boroughs guidelines, which have been adapted to reflect local biodiversity and geodiversity interests.

Contents

Acknowledgements 2

1. Introduction 5 Habitat Selection Guidelines

2. Woodland and Scrub Habitats 14 Site Selection Criteria – Woodland and Scrub 24

3. Parkland and Wood Pasture Habitats 34 Site Selection Criteria – Parkland and Wood Pasture 37

4. Hedgerows Habitats 39 Site Selection Criteria – Hedgerows 42

5. Grassland Habitats, including Lowland Heathland/Acid Grassland Mosaics 47 Site Selection Criteria – Grasslands and Heathland 57

6 Fen and Mire 68 Site Selection Criteria – Fen and Mire 77

7 Standing Water 83 Site Selection Criteria – Standing Water 91

8 Flowing Water 96 Site Selection Criteria – Flowing Water 101

9 Mixed Habitats and Structural Mosaics 106 Site Selection Criteria – Mixed Habitats and Structural Mosaics 109

10 Artificial Substrates 113 Site Selection Criteria – Artificial Substrates 117

11 Species Selection Guidelines 121

12 Site Selection Criteria – Multiple Species Groups 124

13 Site Selection Criteria – Mammals 125

14 Site Selection Criteria – Birds 127

15 Site Selection Criteria – Reptiles 128

16 Site Selection Criteria – Amphibians 128

17 Geological Selection Guidelines 129

List of Tables 1.1 Relationship between BAP priority Habitats and Doncaster’s Site Selection Criteria 7 1.2 Habitat Attribute Table 10

2.1 Identification of Woodland & Scrub Communities in Doncaster Borough 17 2.2 Lowland Heathy Oak Woodland – Habitat character list 28 2.3 Limestone Woodland – Habitat character list 29 2.4 Wet Woodland – Habitat character list 31 2.5 Scrub – Habitat character list 32

4.1 Hedge types in Doncaster Borough by defined structure category 40 4.2 Ancient and/or Species Rich hedgerows - character list for woody species 44 4.3 Ancient and/or Species Rich hedgerows - character list for non-woody species 45

5.1 Identification of Grassland and Grassland/Heathland Mosaic Communities in Doncaster Borough 49 5.2 Neutral and wet grassland - Habitat character list 62 5.3 Limestone grassland - Habitat character list 64 5.4 Acid Grassland / Lowland Heathy Oak woodland – Habitat character list 66

6.1 Identification of Mire Communities in Doncaster Borough 72 6.2 Identification of Fen Communities in Doncaster Borough 75 6.3 Lowland Raised Mire – Habitat character list 80 6.4 Mixed Fen – Habitat character list 81

7.1 Identification of Fen Communities in Doncaster Borough 87 7.2 Standing water – Habitat character list 93

8.1 Identification of Flowing Water Communities in Doncaster Borough 98 8.2 Flowing water – Habitat character list 103

9.1 Features of structural importance for invertebrates 107 9.2 Habitat Mosaics 110 9.3 Bryophyte species list 112

10.1 Species of artificial substrates 118 10.2 Species of artificial substrates 119 10.3 Species of artificial substrates 120

13.1 Numbers of bats that indicate a significant breeding roost in Doncaster. 126

18.1 Panel Membership and consultation contributors 130

1 Introduction

1.1 Appendix A to the Local Wildlife and Geological Sites Supplementary Planning Document, details the criteria developed as guidelines for the selection of Local Sites in Doncaster Borough. This document should be read in conjunction to the Local Sites Supplementary Planning Document which informs and supports the implementation of retained policy ENV 41 of Doncaster’s Unitary Development Plan, and its successor the Local Development Framework.

1.2 Whilst the Supplementary Planning Document outlines the policy framework for Local Sites, and the various processes of managing the local sites system, Appendix A details the individual site selection criteria, how they should be applied and why they are important. In establishing importance, the review panels have described the local biological and geological resource, and identified their measurable features and qualitative attributes as a basis for assessing eligibility for Local Site status.

1.3 The guidelines set out within this document are divided into three sections based upon; Habitat, Species and Geology / geomorphology based criteria. Sites can qualify on one or more of these grounds and only has to meet one of the criteria to be eligible for designation.

Habitat Selection Guidelines

1.4 The habitat criteria are broadly based on the ‘Ratcliffe approach’ for designating Sites of Special Scientific Interest, but adapted to select notable features and measurable attributes of the Borough’s local natural resource. The habitats and features selected reflect those identified in the Habitat Action Plans of Doncaster’s Local Biodiversity Action Plan 1 and therefore focus upon the conservation of local biodiversity priorities..Species highlighted in bold within the descriptive text for each habitat are species of conservation importance identified in Doncaster’s Species Audit 2. The relationship between the criteria and Habitat Action Plans is shown in Table 1.1.

1.5 The criteria set out what are considered to be features of biodiversity interest and importance for various habitats found throughout the Borough. Their significance, along with details of how the Ratcliffe criteria have been considered in our assessments, is summarised in Table 1.2. In assessing sites against the criteria, nationally adopted and established habitat classification systems, including National Vegetation Classification (NVC) and Phase 1 Habitat Classification have been used to identify, map, measure and define semi-natural habitats. The criteria also include size qualification thresholds for

1 Doncaster Biodiversity Action Partnership, 2007, Doncaster Local Biodiversity Action Plan 2 Doncaster Biodiversity Action Partnership, 2007, A Species Audit for Doncaster Borough

sites and habitats. These often relate to widely adopted survey methodologies, to enable the inclusion of additional datasets in site assessment.

Table 1.1 Relationship between Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) priority Habitats and Doncaster’s Local Site Selection Criteria UK BAP Priority Habitats Local BAP Habitat Action Plan Local Site selection criteria (Habitats)

Lowland raised bog Lowland Raised Mire HAP Fen and Mire Habitats Mixed Habitats and Structural Mosaics Lowland fens Minor Streams, Springs, Fens, Fen and Mire Habitats Flushes, Mires and Fenny Fields Flowing Water Habitats HAP Mixed Habitats and Structural Mosaics Rivers Rivers, Canals, Oxbows, Major Standing Water Habitats Streams and Subsidence wetlands Flowing Water Habitats HAP Mixed Habitats and Structural Mosaics Reedbeds Reedbeds HAP Standing Water Habitats Mixed Habitats and Structural Mosaics Coastal and floodplain grazing Marshes and Swamps, Lakes and Fen and Mire Habitats marsh Ponds, Ditches and Drains HAP Eutrophic standing waters Standing Water Habitats Ponds Mixed Habitats and Structural Mosaics Lowland mixed deciduous Limestone Woodland HAP Woodland and Scrub Habitats woodland Mixed Habitats and Structural Mosaics Lowland mixed deciduous Lowland Heathy Oak Woodland Woodland and Scrub Habitats woodland HAP Mixed Habitats and Structural Mosaics Hedgerows Ancient and Species Rich Hedgerow Habitats Hedgerows HAP Mixed Habitats and Structural Mosaics Lowland calcareous grassland Limestone Grassland HAP Grassland Habitats Mixed Habitats and Structural Mosaics Lowland heathland Lowland Heathland / Acid Grassland Grassland Habitats (including lowland Mosaic HAP heathland/acid grassland mosaics)

Lowland dry acid grassland Mixed Habitats and Structural Mosaics Coastal and floodplain grazing Neutral and Wet Grassland HAP Grassland Habitats marsh Lowland meadows Mixed Habitats and Structural Mosaics Wood-pasture and parkland Parkland, Wood Pasture and Parkland and Wood Pasture Habitats Veteran Trees HAP Mixed Habitats and Structural Mosaics Wet woodland Wet Woodland HAP Woodland and Scrub Habitats Mixed Habitats and Structural Mosaics Arable Field Margins Arable Field Margins HAP Mixed Habitats and Structural Mosaics Open Mosaic Habitats on Post Industrial and Brownfield Land Habitats of Artificial Substrates Previously Developed Land HAP Mixed Habitats and Structural Mosaics Urban Greenspace HAP Mixed Habitats and Structural Mosaics Crags, Caves and Tunnels HAP Grassland Habitats Mixed Habitats and Structural Mosaics Greenways HAP Mixed Habitats and Structural Mosaics

1.6 Another tool adopted to assess habitat attributes is the use of ‘Habitat Character’ species lists, corresponding with Doncaster’s key habitats. These species lists for key habitat communities help to define local typicality and provide a means of assessing quality through a measure of species diversity. The lists consist of indicator species, more typical community components and rarities extracted from Doncaster’s Species Audit. The criteria require sites/habitats to attain the specified score from the lists. Each species in the list scores one point, with those highlighted in bold attributed a double score. Therefore the maximum score available from any list may be greater than the number of species in the list. This diversity qualification threshold has been informed by a trial assessment of sample sites.

1.7 The assessment of sites on habitat grounds makes use of the entire data record available from Doncaster’s Local Records Centre. The data used is both site specific and attached to 1km grid squares and attributed to sites by location names, as older records rarely have accurate or specific coordinates.

Table 1.2 Habitat Attribute Table

Ratcliffe Criteria Significance Summary of how Ratcliffe criteria are considered

• Specified minimum areas or dimensions for site and habitat units, based Habitat and population size upon knowledge of the existing resource and contribution to the character has a direct affect on of particular Natural Areas. ecosystem dynamics and • Specified minimum population size, frequency or ground coverage, and vice-versa. The impact of Size or Extent consideration of this with respect to species range. edge effects on habitats and Site boundaries drawn to accommodate fragmented habitats. species range affects the • viability of particular fauna • Site boundaries drawn to reflect management units and include all and flora. elements of a particular species’ ecology.

Habitats are characterised by a particular range of species. • Specified diversity threshold derived from corresponding Habitat Conserving the overall Character lists. Vascular plant listings have been produced to reflect the diversity of species typical local character of different habitat types. Thresholds have been associated with a particular set for each habitat type based upon a sample assessment of Local habitat type effectively Wildlife Sites of similar community type. Diversity conserves the integrity of • Specified diversity thresholds for good assemblages of specific species different biotopes. Greater and within taxonomic groups. structural diversity also • Diversity used to indicate the presence of long-established habitats and supports greater species associated with veteran features. richness. • Presence of structural diversity within habitat mosaics.

Criteria Significance Assessment of attribute

• Use of native species within Habitat Character lists • Assessment of chemical water quality. A reflection of the degree to • Presence of natural riverine features. Naturalness which a site supports natural • Targeted selection of degraded natural habitats in acknowledgement of features and processes. their prevailing biodiversity interest. • Affinity to National Vegetation Classification (NVC) communities • Existence of natural processes in the colonisation of artificial substrates.

• Presence of significant populations of exceptional features e.g. bluebell woods. The local loss of a species or • Presence of locally rare features e.g. veteran trees, brackish/calcareous habitat may result in the Rare or waters. wider, irreversible loss of Exceptional Species listed in Doncaster’s Species Audit are considered locally genetic diversity, • feature significant or rare and contribute a double score in habitat assessment geographical range and against the diversity threshold. possible extinction. • Site selection based upon presence of species from Doncaster’s Species Audit.

The conservation of fragile • Presence of specified species groups as an indicator of good water habitats and features is linked quality. Fragility to their designation and • Presence of specified species assemblages as indication of stages of appropriate management. vegetation succession of high conservation value.

Criteria Significance Assessment of attribute

• Specified diversity threshold derived from corresponding Habitat Character lists. Vascular plant listings have been produced to reflect the typical local character of different habitat types. Thresholds have been Local Sites can exemplify set for each habitat type based upon a sample assessment of Local habitats and species Typicalness Wildlife Sites of similar community type. characteristic of the natural • Affinity to National Vegetation Classification (NVC) communities landscape and area. • Habitat contribution to the character of particular Natural Areas. • Specified minimum population size, frequency or ground coverage, and consideration of this with respect to species range.

• Presence of ‘old’ features e.g. notable and veteran trees. Recorded Natural features are an • Inclusion of ’Informatives’ within site citations i.e. ancient woodland, Local history and important component of local Geological Site, Greenspace Site, TPO etc. cultural and regional distinctiveness associations and heritage. • Selection of habitats by specified age/origin, e.g. hedgerows pre-dating 1845.

Local Sites have intrinsic • Targeted selection of lower quality sites of a particular habitat type, in Connectivity biodiversity value and close proximity to statutory and existing Local Wildlife Sites. within the contribute to functional • Site boundaries drawn to accommodate fragmented and disaggregated landscape networks of habitats within habitats. the wider landscape.

Criteria Significance Assessment of attribute

• Not measured as a unique factor indicating biodiversity value, but an Value for Access to nature contributes important consideration following site selection. appreciation of to quality of life and underpins • Inclusion of ’Informatives’ within site citations i.e. ancient woodland, Local nature conservation. Geological Site, Greenspace Site, TPO etc.

• Not measured as a unique factor indicating biodiversity value, but an Access to nature contributes Value for important consideration following site selection. to quality of life and underpins learning conservation. • Inclusion of ’Informatives’ within site citations i.e. ancient woodland, Local Geological Site, Greenspace Site, TPO etc.

2. Woodland and Scrub Habitats

2.1 Doncaster borough supports a diversity of woodland and scrub habitats. The following guidelines aim to underpin the selection of sites of broadleaf semi-natural woodland and scrub and broadleaf and coniferous plantations on former ancient or long-standing semi-natural woodland sites, and protect their identified biodiversity interest and value through Local Wildlife Site designation.

Habitat Description Woodland

2.2 In the UK most semi-natural 'broad-leaved' woodlands contain a mix species such as ash, hazel, sessile oak, pedunculate oak and field maple. Woodlands in the south of Britain also tend to include beech, however it is thought to be of planted origin in Doncaster, rather than at the extent of its natural range. Sycamore is also abundant in many of Doncaster's Woodlands and often dominates secondary woodlands. This species is often viewed as an introduced species, which requires management to check its spread, however its eradication is unlikely since it now is the most abundant tree in a wide range of habitats throughout the British Isles. Yew, a native conifer is generally associated with broad-leaved woods. Broad-leaved woodlands are noted for the variety of herb layer plants, of which, bluebell is a characteristic of UK woodlands. A diverse range of species are found in such woods, including specialist ferns, lichens, fungi and bryophytes, and notable invertebrates such as the Oak Bush cricket (Meconema thalassinum), along with an array of butterflies.

Scrub

2.3 Scrub habitats also occur across the Borough. Scrub communities are a natural component of many habitats but are often indicative of a cessation of past management. In Britain there are few examples where scrub represents a true climax community, the exceptions being environments where climatic conditions, salt spray or unstable ground prevent the transition to woodland, although hostile conditions on post industrial and brownfield sites, frequently present such limitations. Scrub can often be seen as invasive and a threat in some grassland or wetland communities but it is an important habitat in its own right.

Ancient Woodland

2.4 Ancient woodlands are defined as those, which have had continuous woodland cover since at least 1600 AD. Many such sites will have been subject to management to exploit their resources, but will have only been cleared for understorey or timber products. Ancient woodland sites can be further categorised into:

2.5 Ancient semi-natural woodland (ASNW) – those sites that have retained native tree and shrub cover that has not been planted, although it may have been managed by coppicing or felling and allowed to regenerate naturally. Relicts of the original wildwood, the natural tree cover that developed after the retreat of the last glaciation 10,000 years ago, are known as ‘primary woodland’, whilst others may have developed on land, which was open ground or farmland prior to 1600 AD and are classed as ‘secondary woodland’.

2.6 Ancient replanted woodland (often referred to as PAWS) – Ancient woodland sites where the original native tree cover has been felled and replaced by planting, usually this century. This includes any age of broadleaved, mixed or coniferous replanted woodlands.

2.7 Semi-natural woodland on ancient sites and ancient woodlands have been historically cleared to accommodate increased agricultural activity due the increase in population. Hence, the remaining areas of ancient semi-natural woodland are of great significance to the biodiversity of the Borough. By their very nature such sites cannot be replaced, as they represent a continuity of established woodland habitats on a particular site for many hundreds of years. This longevity and lack of relative disturbance is reflected in the soil profile, biota, seedbed and woodland ecology and results in an extremely rich biodiversity, which differs from comparatively recent woodland. Traditional management is often evidenced within the woodland e.g. pollarded stems and coppice stools, as well as archaeological features and these activities and by- products have helped to contribute to their biodiversity.

2.8 Other key features associated with ancient woodland habitats and sites include ancient hedgerows and veteran trees, for which further guidance on identification is available from Natural England3. These important habitats and features can also occur independent to woodland sites and their value and eligibility for Local Wildlife Site selection is discussed in further detail, elsewhere in the document.

2.9 Ancient woodland status per se has not been adopted to form the basis for a selection criterion, as it does not provide a clear affirmation of the woodlands current biodiversity value, irrespective of other attributes such as archaeology and geology. The principle published data source relating to ancient woodlands ‘Ancient Woodland Inventory for

3 Read, H. (2000) Veteran Trees: A guide to good management. Peterborough: English Nature.

England’4, comprised locally of the South Yorkshire Ancient Woodland Inventory (Eccles, CRJ. 1986) and subsequent amendments, is limiting in its scope and several of Doncaster’s sites have been omitted due to their size and fragmented nature. Alternative types of documentary and field evidence can be used to support Ancient Woodland status, as identified by other authors.5 These include; early maps, estate records and enclosure surveys, wood names, locations and boundary attributes and the presence of particular ancient woodland features and indicator species. Where ancient woodland status can be derived from the inventory, or its long-standing evidenced through presence on early Ordnance survey maps (1851-1894) this will be provided as an informative in the corresponding Local Wildlife Site citation. The sites will also be presented on the Local Development Framework proposals map in accordance with Planning Policy Statement 96.

Habitat Status and Distribution

2.10 Britain is one of the least-wooded countries within Europe, with an estimated 8.4% of woodland cover. Sub regionally, woodland coverage is reported to be 7.4%7 for South Yorkshire, whilst Doncaster Borough has approximately 7.22% cover. For the Borough, this equates to 4091ha of woodland, of which 939ha are ancient woodland according to the national Ancient Woodland Inventory. This ancient woodland resource is recorded from 63 sites, averaging 14.9ha in size.

2.11 The total area of woodland has recently been boosted by woodland planting on restored colliery sites amounting to 126.5ha. Whilst such opportunities have arisen for strategic planting to enhance the local woodland resource, certain parts of the Borough and particularly the intensively managed arable farmlands, have very limited areas of woodland. Planting schemes on such proportion are constrained by past and current land-use, along with a range of social, economic and environmental factors. It is imperative to protect and enhance the remaining woodland resource, to bolster its local genetic integrity, enable natural processes to support adaptability and longevity, and ensure the habitat prevails for the benefit of future generations.

4 http://www.english-nature.org.uk/pubs/gis/tech_aw.htm 5 English Nature, 2002/3, Ancient Woodland: Guidance material for local authorities. 6 ODPM, (2005), Planning Policy Statement 9: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation, HMSO. 7 National Inventory of Woodland and Trees, England, 2001

Woodland and Scrub Habitat Communities

2.12 The Boroughs woodlands and scrub have affinities with the NVC communities identified in Table 2.1.

Table 2.1 - Identification of Woodland & Scrub Communities in Doncaster Borough

Habitat NVC National Vegetation Classification Communities type types Grey Willow-Marsh Bedstraw W1 (Salix cinerea-Galium Palustre) woodland Grey Willow-Downy birch-Common Reed W2 (Salix cinerea-Betula pubescens-Phragmites australis) woodland Common Alder-Common Nettle W6 (Alnus glutinosa–Urtica dioica) woodland. (very localised) Common Alder-Ash-Yellow Pimpernel W7 (Alnus glutinosa - Fraxinus excelsior - Lysimachia Woodland nemorum) woodland (very localised) Ash-Field Maple-Dogs Mercury W8 (Fraxinus excelsior-Acer campestre-Mercurialis perennis) woodland Pedunculate Oak-Bracken-Bramble W10 (Quercus robur-Pteridium aquilinum-Rubus fruticosus) woodland Oak-Birch-Wavy hair-grass W16 (Quercus spp.-Betula spp.-Deschampsia flexuosa) woodland Ash-Field Maple-Dogs Mercury W8 (Fraxinus excelsior-Acer campestre-Mercurialis perennis) scrub Pedunculate Oak-Bracken-Bramble W10 (Quercus robur-Pteridium aquilinum-Rubus Scrub fruticosus) scrub Hawthorn- Ivy W21 (Cretaegus monogyna-Hedera helix) scrub Blackthorn-Bramble W22 (Prunus spinosa-Rubus fruticosus) scrub

2.13 Doncaster’s Local Biodiversity Action Plan identifies three distinct woodland types of conservation importance within the Doncaster Borough:

Lowland Heathy Oak Woodlands

2.14 Heathy oak-birch woodland is characteristic of base-poor soils (pH between 4 and 5.5) and form one of the major kinds of woodland in lowland Britain. They represent the commonest form of semi-natural woodland in the acidic heathy woodlands of the ‘Coal Measures’ and sandy lowlands of the ‘Humberhead Levels’ Natural Areas. The habitat resource outside statutory sites ranges from woodlands occurring on the acid soils of the outcrops of Coal Measures (Carboniferous) sandstones in the northwestern corner of the Borough, on the Triassic Sherwood Sandstone Ridge, which stretches from Bawtry to Doncaster and eastwards to Hatfield, and on the deposits of glaciofluvial–laustrine sands and gravels in the eastern parishes of Doncaster. Several of these woodlands are fragments of ancient woodland, some of which have been modified by coniferous plantation, but retain elements of heathy woodland ground flora. Several woodlands on the transition between the Magnesian Limestone and Humberhead Levels are of a heathy nature, whilst others are found within the clay farmlands of the Humberhead Levels, associated with small deposits of sandier soils. There are fewer woodlands on the glaciofluvial deposits of the eastern parishes where intensive agriculture and mineral extraction are dominant land uses.

Local Habitat Character

2.15 The woodland canopy is dominated by peduculate oak (Quercus robur) and its hybrid with the sessile oak (Quercus x rosacea), together with birch (Betula spp.), occasional ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and variable amounts of sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus). The understorey tends to include an abundance of holly (Ilex aquifolium), wych elm (Ulmus glabra), rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), crab apple (Mallus sylvestris), wild cherry (Prunus avium) and scattered hazel (Corylus avellana). Sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa) and beech (Fagus sylvatica) can often be found in these woodlands, indicative of historic coppice and timber management. Rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum) can also be quite common in such woodlands, especially where the woodland area is associated with large country houses and estates, whilst scaly male fern (Dryopteris affinis), goldilocks buttercup (Ranunculus auricomus) and wood speedwell (Veronica Montana) are rare species associated with the habitat.

2.16 The woodland edges tend to have a dominance of scrubby thorns including both blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) and hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna). Hawthorn and, very rarely, midland hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata) also occur in the understorey together with elderberry (Sambucus nigra). Gorse (Ulex spp.), broom (Cytisus scoparius) and

the lower-growing wood sage (Teucrium scorodonia) can also be found in woodland edges and transitions to heathy areas with more open ground.

2.17 Doncaster’s Species Audit identifies 115 species of conservation importance associated with Lowland Heathy Oak Woodland8.

Notable Sites and Features

2.18 Scots pine is generally considered to be an introduced species in Doncaster; however, it is possible that the Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris var. scotica) of Hatfield Moors and Lindholme Island may be remnants of the Scots pine forests, which date back to just after the last ice age. Investigation of the genetic associates of these trees is required.

Limestone Woodlands

2.19 In Doncaster this type of habitat occurs within the Southern Magnesian Limestone Natural Area, and represents some of the boroughs richest woodlands. The Southern Magnesian Limestone Natural Area is of very restricted extent in the British Isles, being limited to a narrow band that stretches from Ripon in the north to Nottingham in the south. Owing to the fertile soils of the limestone area, extensive woodland clearance to enable the cultivation of arable crops has historically taken place. Semi-natural woodlands survived in the more inaccessible river gorges and escarpments, or as part of private hunting grounds, and later as part of large country estates.

Local Habitat Character

2.20 The canopy of such woodlands includes ash (Fraxinus excelsior), small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata), large-leaved lime (Tilia platyphyllos), field maple (Acer campestre), beech (Fagus sylvatica), sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), silver birch (Betula pendula), yew (Taxus baccata) and oak (Quercus spp.) with a lower canoy of holly (Ilex aquifolium), spindle (Euonymus europaeus), wych elm (Ulmus glabra), hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) grey and goat willow (Salix cinerea and Salix caprea) and wild privet (Ligustrum vulgare).

2.21 The lower shrub layer includes, dogwood (Cornus sanguinea), purging buckthorn (Rhamnus catharticus), guelder rose (Viburnum opulus) and gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa). The herb layer is often very diverse and includes species such as dog's mercury (Mercurialis perennis), enchanter's nightshade (Circaea lutetiana), ivy (Hedera helix), bramble (Rubus spp.), herb bennet (Geum urbanum), lords and ladies (Arum

8 Doncaster Local Biodiversity Action Plan, (2007), Doncaster Biodiversity Action Partnership, www.doncaster.gov.uk/biodiversity.

maculatum), common dog violet (Viola riviniana), wood dog violet (Viola reichenbachiana), goldilocks buttercup (Ranunculus auricomus), yellow archangel (Lamiastrum galeobdolon), woodruff (Galium odoratum), lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis), wood sedge (Carex sylvatica), sanicle (Sanicula europaea), pignut (Conopodium majus), wood false brome (Brachypodium sylvaticum), hart's-tongue fern (Phyllitis scolopendrium), primrose (Primula vulgaris), wild garlic (Allium ursinium), bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) and orchids such as common twaybalde (Listera ovata) and early purple orchid (Orchis mascula).

2.22 Characteristic species including wild daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus), moschatel (Adoxa moschatellina), thin-spiked wood sedge (Carex strigosa), hard shield fern (Polystichum aculeatum), stinking hellebore (Helleborus foetidus), opposite-leaved golden saxifrage (Chrysosplenium oppositifolium), spurge laurel (Daphne laureola), wood barley (Hordelymus europaeus), and giant bellflower (Campanula latifolia) are limited to only a few limestone woodlands.

2.23 Doncaster’s Species Audit identifies 95 species of conservation importance, associated with Limestone Woodland9.

Notable Sites and Features

2.24 This type of habitat is represented in the Doncaster Borough in two Sites of Special Scientific Interest: Edlington Wood SSSI and Sprotbrough Gorge SSSI.

Wet Woodlands

2.25 Wet Woodland occurs on soils that have a high water table or are seasonally wet. It is found on river floodplains, in localised waterlogged areas near springs, along streams, hillside flushes and peaty hollows, and is the climax habitat of fens, mires, and bogs. Hydrological conditions and management determine the boundaries of Wet Woodland habitats; therefore, it often occurs in a mosaic with other woodland types and combines elements of other ecosystems, it is important for many groups of animals and plants. The high humidity tends to favour bryophyte growth. A large number of invertebrates are associated with alder (Alnus glutinosa), willow (Salix spp.) and birches (Betula spp.), the dominant canopy species. Damp and waterlogged dead wood is a habitat used by some specialist invertebrate species and is a habitat that is not found in other, dry, woodland types. Wet Woodland also provides cover and breeding sites for otter and may support plants that are a relict of former more extensive open wetlands.

9 Doncaster Local Biodiversity Action Plan, (2007), Doncaster Biodiversity Action Partnership, www.doncaster.gov.uk/biodiversity.

Nationally, Wet Woodlands are restricted to the low-lying fenlands of East Anglia, Shropshire and Cheshire or the plateau alder woods in the Western part of Britain and Scotland. Fragments of ancient floodplain forests are now rare, being limited to the New Forest and northern Scotland. In the late 1980s the estimated total extent of Wet Woodland habitat in the UK was thought to be in the region of 50,000 – 70,000ha10.

2.26 Doncaster Borough exhibits small pockets of both ‘carr’ and ‘riparian’ Wet Woodland throughout the Humberhead Levels Natural Area and along spring-lines and streams emerging from the Southern Magnesian Limestone Natural Area. Small areas of Wet Woodland are to be found in the former River Torne floodplain, as components of other woodland sites and on the Magnesian Limestone where springs and streams emerge at the base of limestone escarpments. Riparian woodlands are of restricted distribution, occurring in a very fragmented form alongside the old River Don oxbows at Wheatley, at scattered locations beside the River Don and Canal near Mexborough and Old Denaby, and around the subsidence flashes of the Don Gorge at Sprotbrough. This habitat is almost entirely absent from the lower river downstream of Long Sandall.

Local Habitat Character

2.27 Characteristic wet woodland species in Doncaster Borough include alder (Alnus glutinosa), grey (Salix cinerea), goat (Salix caprea), crack (Salix fragilis) and white (Salix alba) willows, osier (Salix viminalis), downy birch (Betula pubescens), aspen (Populus tremula), guelder rose (Virburnum opulus), alder buckthorn (Frangula alnus), sedges such as greater tussock sedge (Carex paniculata), tufted sedge (Carex elata), remote sedge (Carex remota), greater pond sedge (Carex riparia), and lesser pond sedge (Carex acutiformis), iris (Iris pseudacorus), small reed (Calamagrostis epigejos), hemp agrimony (Eupatorium cannabinum), wild angelica (Angelica sylvestris), marsh marigold (Caltha palustris), bugle (Ajuga reptans), meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), marsh bedstraw (Galium palustre), gipsywort (Lycopus europaeus), bittersweet (Solanum dulcamara) and marsh bedstraw (Galium palustre).

2.28 Small patches of ‘carr’ woodland occur and are characterised by scrubby grey willow (Salix cinerea), birch (Betula spp.), alder (Alnus glutinosa), aspen (Populus tremula), and older patches of ash (Fraxinus excelsior), field maple (Acer campestre) and oak (Quercus spp.) but semi-natural woodland cover on the Humberhead Levels is

10 UK biodiversity steering group (1995). Biodiversity: the UK steering group report. Volume 2: Action Plans. HMSO. London.

limited. The local ‘carr’ woodlands have affinities with the National Vegetation Classification11types W1 and W2.

2.29 The river floodplains of the Doncaster area have been highly modified by historic navigation and by more recent flood defence work, leading to the fragmentation of wet ‘riparian’ woodlands and the isolation of these habitats from the natural flooding cycles of a floodplain. Riparian woodland dominated by grey (Salix cinerea) and crack willow (Salix fragilis) and alder (Alnus glutinosa) is of very limited occurrence locally. The local ‘riparian’ woodlands have similarities with National Vegetation Classification types W6 and W7.

2.30 Doncaster’s Species Audit identifies 52 species of conservation importance associated with Wet Woodland12.

Notable Sites and Features

2.31 Willow carr also forms a significant component of the habitats found at a number of sites where gravel extraction has created ponds and lowered ground levels within the Sherwood Sandstone lowlands. Potteric Carr Site of Special Scientific Interest contains a significant area of the Wet Woodland resource within the Doncaster Borough.

Scrub communities

2.32 The species composition of scrub is determined partly by the underlying geology and tends to reflect the understorey of woodlands within the locality. Hawthorn, blackthorn and gorse form an important component of many areas of scrub on neutral and lime-rich soils whilst silver birch, gorse and broom tend to be the main species of scrub on lighter soils and more acidic heathland sites. Wetter conditions encourage the growth of grey willow, and downy birch-dominated scrub. The greatest biodiversity tends to be found where scrub has a diversity of age and physical structure, where there is a mosaic of scrub and its associated habitat and where the scrub species itself supports a wide range of associated fauna. The presence of this transitional community is important in sustaining genetic and structural diversity, and is used for a range of purposes by a variety of animals that would otherwise not occur.

2.33 The determination of appropriate Local Wildlife Site boundaries for woodland sites allows for the inclusion of stands of scrub where they are closely associated with the habitat community. Otherwise, selection as a discrete habitat of substantive biodiversity value can be

11 Rodwell, J.S. (1991), British Plant Communities (Volume 1) Woodlands and Scrub. Cambridge University Press. 12 Doncaster Local Biodiversity Action Plan, (2007), Doncaster Biodiversity Action Partnership, www.doncaster.gov.uk/biodiversity.

considered under the selection guidelines for sites supporting mixed habitats and structural mosaics.

Site Selection Criteria – Woodland and Scrub

2.34 Sites that meet one or more of the following criteria will be eligible for Local Wildlife Site designation.

WD1 Stands of semi-natural woodland or scrub larger than 0.25ha that have an affinity to the following National Vegetation Classification communities:

W1 Grey Willow – Marsh Bedstraw Woodland (Salix cinerea - Galium palustre)

W2 Grey Willow – Downy Birch – Common Reed Woodland (Salix cinerea - Betula pubescens - Phragmites australis)

W7 Common Alder – Ash – Yellow Pimpernel Woodland (Alnus glutinosa - Fraxinus excelsior - Lysimachia nemorum)

Application

2.35 This criterion should be applied to sites exceeding the minimum area requirement for the habitat unit and demonstrating an affinity to the above listed National Vegetation Classification communities. The minimum area is based upon knowledge of the existing habitat resource. As site data is not generally recorded on a habitat compartment basis, the site boundary will relate to recognisable management units for the selection attribute and to semi-natural landscape features.

Rationale

2.36 This criterion targets the selection of semi-natural woodland communities of a nationally recognised type that are rare in Doncaster. Their rare and fragmented distribution locally necessitates appropriate protection, and this is also reflected in the minimum area requirement. Sites supporting more commonly occurring National Vegetation Classification communities i.e. W8, W10 and W16, along with non- assignable habitats will be assessed using alternative woodland criteria.

WD2 Woodland sites of 0.5ha or more that support field evidence of features of ancient or long-standing woodland. Evidence includes:

(a) If it is an acidic woodland a score of 14 or more derived from the ‘Lowland heathy oak woodland’ habitat character list (Table 2.2)

(b) If it is a calcareous woodland a score of 20 or more derived from the ‘Limestone woodland’ habitat character’ list (Table 2.3)

(d) If it is a scrub community a score of 18 or more derived from the ‘Scrub’ habitat character list, (Tables 2.5), and a scrub stand of 0.5ha.

Application

2.37 This criterion should be applied to all woodland sites, including semi- natural and plantation woodland, scrub and habitat mosaics, which exceed the minimum area requirement for the site unit. Sites must attain or exceed the specified score against the corresponding Habitat Character lists. The species listed do not have to be present throughout the entire woodland and the site boundary should relate to recognisable management units and to semi-natural landscape features. The minimum site area is based upon knowledge of the existing woodland. For sites qualifying under (WD2d) the scrub habitat stand should be at least 0.5ha, to discount small patches of scrub, that are not part of a larger woodland site.

Rationale

2.38 This criterion assesses sites in terms of botanical diversity and local habitat typicality and provides a basic measure of the diversity of the Borough’s woodland resource. Sites that are long-standing and therefore potentially species-rich, due to longevity or traditional management should score highly. This criterion should target ancient woodlands and replanted ancient woodland sites where associated botanical features and diversity have prevailed and need to be protected from further degradation or loss. The species lists for the woodland types have varying scoring thresholds, based upon the differing nature of the habitats and their botanical attributes. A sample of sites of varying quality but representing each of the woodland types has been assessed to establish an appropriate scoring threshold for each.

WD3 Areas of woodland that support:

(a) 68+ species of native woodland vascular plants or (b) 5+ species of fern, or (c) ‘notable’, old or veteran trees

Application

2.39 This criterion should be applied to all areas of woodland and scrub that support the special attributes identified. A minimum habitat area has not been specified as some attributes are associated with individual features. Site boundaries should relate to recognisable management units for the qualifying selection attribute, where this is not part of a larger designated site. A notable tree is defined by being of great age for its species, a rare species or of particularly high visual amenity and this will be subject to assessment by a local expert.

Rationale

2.40 The habitat features identified in this criterion provide an indication of woodland diversity, rarity and naturalness. Some of the features, such as veteran trees, provide specialist microhabitats supporting niche biodiversity and are therefore important in their own right. Generally habitat communities that reflect such characteristics are long-standing and species-rich.

WD4 Bluebell woodlands (locally usually NVC W10, and sometimes W8 and W16) greater than 0.5ha with a random quadrat constancy for bluebell of III or over and a ground cover of 40% or greater in at least 10% of the woodland area13.

Application

2.41 This criterion should be applied to all semi-natural woodland, scrub and habitat mosaics, exceeding the minimum area requirement for the habitat unit and supporting a significant bluebell population. Site boundaries should relate to recognisable management units and to semi-natural landscape features.

Rationale

2.42 The UK supports a significant proportion of the European population of bluebell and, as such, has a particular duty to ensure the survival of this species through the protection of bluebell woodlands.

13 Rodwell, J.S. (1991), British Plant Communities (Volume 1) Woodlands and Scrub. Cambridge University Press.

WD5 Woodland sites of 0.5ha or more, which have a score within 20% of the scoring threshold for any of the different local woodland types (see WD2) and which adjoin, or lie within 0.5km of an existing woodland, scrub or hedgerow statutory site or Local Wildlife Site.

Application

2.43 This criterion should be applied to all sites supporting woodland, scrub and hedgerow habitats, and mosaics of the above, exceeding the minimum area requirement for the habitat unit. This is a cumulative assessment based upon the identification of sites of lesser, yet substantive biodiversity value, which function as an effective wildlife corridor based upon their proximity to other statutory and Local Wildlife Sites of a similar type. In accordance with Defra’s Local Sites guidance14, where a site has a number of small fragments of semi- natural habitats that together could be managed to provide linkages for natural colonisation or movement, a local site boundary can be defined to take in a wider area and include discontinous patches.

Rationale

2.44 This criterion targets sites with substantive biodiversity value, which themselves may reflect the former extent of an area of continuous semi-natural woodland, and which through their relative position are capable of supporting a wider network of statutory and non-statutory sites. The relative position of sites within the wider ecological unit is essential in supporting the effective functioning of habitats and in facilitating the natural population dynamics of species that live and move within and between them. This, along with corresponding site selection criteria for other habitat types, supports the guidance contained within PPS9, on the maintenance of networks of natural habitats.

14 Defra, 2006, Local Sites - guidance on their identification, selection and management

Table 2.2 Lowland Heathy Oak Woodland – Habitat Character list

Scientific Name Common Name Athyrium filix-femina Lady Fern Betula pendula Silver Birch Betula pubescens Downy Birch Blechnum spicant Hard Fern Calluna vulgaris Heather Ceratocapnos claviculata (White) Climbing-corydalis Deschampsia flexuosa Wavy Hair-grass Digitalis purpurea Foxglove Dryopteris dilatata Broad buckler fern Dryopteris filix-mas Male ferns Galium saxatile Heath Bedstraw Holcus mollis Creeping Soft-grass Hyacinthoides non-scripta Native bluebell Ilex aquifolium Holly Lonicera periclymenum Honeysuckle Luzula sylvatica Great Wood-rush Melampyrum pratense Common Cow-wheat Oxalis acetosella Wood-Sorrel Potentilla erecta Tormentil Quercus petraea Sessile Oak Quercus x rosacea Sorbus aucuparia Rowan Teucrium scorodonia Wood Sage Ulex europaeus (Common) Gorse / Forze Vaccinium myrtillus Bilberry

Species in bold score 2

Table 2.3 Limestone Woodland – Habitat Character list

Scientific Name Common Name Acer campestre Field Maple Arum maculatum Lords-and-Ladies / Cuckoo Pint Brachypodium sylvaticum (Wood) False-brome Bromopsis ramosa Hairy Brome Bryonia dioica White Bryony Carex sylvatica Wood Sedge Circaea lutetiana Enchanter's Nightshade Clematis vitalba Traveller's-joy Cornus sanguinea Dogwood Fragaria vesca Wild Strawberry Fraxinus excelsior Ash Geranium robertianum Herb-Robert Geum urbanum Wood Avens / Herb Bennet Helleborus foetidus stinking hellebore Hordelymus europaeus wood barley Hyacinthoides non-scripta bluebell Hypericum hirsutum Hairy St. John’s Wort Ligustrum vulgare Wild Privet Melica uniflora Wood Melick Mercurialis perennis Dog's Mercury Narcissus pseudonarcissus wild daffodil Phyllitis scolopendrium Hart's-tongue Fern Poa nemoralis Wood Meadow-grass Primula vulgaris Primrose Sanicula europaea Sanicle Tamus communis Black Bryony Viola hirta Hairy Violet Viola odorata Sweet Violet Viola reichenbachiana Early Dog Violet Viola riviniana Common Dog-violet

Adoxa moschatellina Moschatel Campanula latifolia Giant Bellflower Convallaria majalis Lily-of-the-Valley Crataegus laevigata Midland Hawthorn Daphne laureola Spurge-laurel Euonymus europaeus Spindle Galium odoratum Sweet Woodruff / Woodruff Listera ovata Common Twayblade Malus sylvestris Crab Apple Melica nutans Mountain Melick Orchis mascula Early Purple-orchid Polystichum aculeatum Hard Shield-fern Primula x polyantha False Oxlip Ranunculus auricomus Goldilocks Buttercup Rhamnus cathartica (Purging) Buckthorn Sorbus torminalis Wild Service-tree Tilia cordata Small-leaved Lime

Tilia platyphyllos Large-leaved Lime Viburnum lantana Wayfaring-tree

Species in bold score 2

Table 2.4 Wet Woodland – Habitat Character list

Scientific Name Common Name Ajuga reptans Bugle Alnus glutinosa Alder Angelica sylvestris Wild Angelica Betula pubescens Downy Birch Calamagrostis epigejos Wood Small-Reed Caltha palustris Marsh Marigold Cardamine flexuosa Wavy Bittercress Carex remota Remote Sedge Epilobium palustre Marsh Willowherb Fraxinus excelsior Ash Molinia caerulea Purple moor grass Populus tremula Aspen Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup Rumex sanguineus Wood Dock Salix aurita Eared Willow Salix cinerea Grey (Sallow) Willow Salix fragilis Crack Willow Salix viminalis Osier Scutellaria galericulata (Common) Skullcap Solanum dulcamara Bittersweet / Woody Nightshade Valeriana officinalis Common Valerian Viburnum opulus Guelder Rose

Calamagrostis canescens Purple Small-reed Carex acutiformis Lesser Pond-sedge Carex paniculata Greater Tussock-sedge Carex riparia Great(er) Pond-sedge Dryopteris carthusiana Narrow Buckler-fern Eupatorium cannabinum Hemp-agrimony Frangula alnus Alder Buckthorn

Species in bold score 2

Table 2.5 Scrub – Habitat Character list

Scientific Name Common Name Acer campestre Field Maple Betula pendula Silver Birch Bryonia dioica White bryony Clematis vitalba Traveller's Joy Corylus avellana Hazel Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Fraxinus excelsior Ash Hedera helix Ivy Humulus lupulus Hop Ilex aquifolium Holly Ligustrum vulgare Wild Privet Lonicera periclymenum Honeysuckle Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Quercus robur Pedunculate Oak Rosa arvensis Field Rose Rosa canina agg. Dog Rose Rubus fruticosus agg. Bramble Salix cinerea Grey (Sallow) Willow Sambucus nigra Elder Tamus communis Black Bryony Ulex europaeus (Common) Gorse Ulmus glabra Wych Elm

Berberis vulgaris (European) Barberry Cornus sanguinea Dogwood Crataegus laevigata Midland Hawthorn Euonymus europaeus Spindle Viburnum lantana Wayfaring-tree

Species in bold score 2

3. Parkland and Wood Pasture Habitats

3.1 Historic, formal and pastoral landscapes supporting assemblages of semi-natural habitats are scattered across Doncaster borough. The following guidelines aim to underpin the selection of sites supporting parkland and lowland wood pasture habitats (along with their associated features), and protect their biodiversity interest and value through Local Wildlife Site designation.

Habitat Description

3.2 Parklands and wood pastures are most common in southern Britain, but scattered examples occur throughout the country. These sites are frequently of national historic, cultural and landscape importance. Some of the individual habitat components are biodiversity action plan priority habitats in their own right.

Parkland

3.3 Parklands are historically the expanse of grounds associated with a hall or manor house, beyond the immediate formal gardens. The livestock belonging to the estate, very often a semi wild population of deer, but also more domesticated animals in more recent times would have the reign of the parklands and it is the continual low density grazing without any grassland improvement that has shaped the parkland landscape. The parklands would have been ‘semi-designed’ with some purposeful placement of trees, such as avenues, small copses or individual trees in prominent locations. Individual specimen trees such as certain species of fruit trees, or ornamental non-natives often dotted amongst the expanse of surviving oak, with species such as beech, ash, hornbeam and willow also being typical veterans. Remnants of a parkland landscape can still be found when the associated hall or house has long since gone.

Wood Pasture

3.4 Wood pasture is not significantly distinctive from parkland in appearance, but typically originates from woodland that has been altered by grazing rather than the more formal nature of parkland, and includes woodland on common land on which animals were allowed to graze. The latter is the origins of many commons, which became devoid of trees as grazing intensified. The grazing of woodland results in alterations to the woodland ground flora communities, and reduces the shrub layer of the woodland, creating a more open structure and benefiting species not normally successful in a more close woodland setting. For example, the increase in light penetrating into the woodland is advantageous for epiphytic lichens, certain species of fungi and

some of the more sun loving invertebrates. Dead wood is vital for saprophytic invertebrates.

Veteran Trees

3.5 The term ‘Veteran Tree’ is often used instead of ‘Ancient Tree’ as although a specimen may be in its ancient stage of life, this varies between species and old age should be measured relative to others of the same species. Natural England, in its publication ‘Veteran Trees - A Guide to their Good Management’15 defines veteran trees as “trees of interest biologically, culturally or aesthetically because of its age, size or condition.2” A ‘Notable Tree’ is defined locally as ‘being of great age for its species, a rare species or of particularly high visual amenity’16.

3.6 The following characteristic features are listed as indicators of veteran tree status and biodiversity value17:

• Girth large for the tree species concerned • Major trunk cavities or progressive hollowing • Naturally forming water pools • Decay holes • Physical damage to trunk • Bark loss • Large quantity of dead wood in the canopy • Sap runs • Crevices in the bark, under branches or on the root plate sheltered from direct rainfall • Fungal fruiting bodies (e.g. from heart rotting species) • High number of interdependent wildlife species • Epiphytic plants • An ‘old’ look • High aesthetic interest

In addition the tree may: • Have a pollard form or show indications of past management • Have a cultural/historic value • Be in a prominent position in the landscape.

3.7 Veteran Trees (whether native or exotic) are important components of parkland and wood pasture, but can also be found in the wider landscape as individual trees in a range of locations. Native veterans often represent the last remnants of ancient woodland or hedgerows, and their limited numbers, yet broad distribution is reflected in their inclusion within the Woodland and Hedgerow site selection criteria.

15 Read, H. (2000) Veteran Trees: A guide to good management. Peterborough: English Nature. 16 Pretty E., et al. (2001), Notable and Venerable Trees in the Doncaster Borough, Doncaster Metropolitan Council.

17Read, H. (2000) Veteran Trees: A guide to good management. Peterborough: English Nature.

Habitat Status and Distribution

3.8 In Doncaster there are areas of old parklands ranging from fairly well conserved examples to a few remnant trees and small patches of grass. Relict wood pastures, parklands and arboretums tend to survive in the old estates of the Magnesian limestone ridge and some are still part of productive faming estates. Some remain as private homes, whilst others have been used for recreation or leisure activities. Further estates have become the grounds of institutes and organisations and some are recognised for their horticultural or historic landscape interest.

Parkland and Wood Pasture Habitat Communities

3.9 Parklands are the product of historic land management systems and represent a vegetation structure, rather than being a particular plant community. Typically they consist of large, open-grown or high forest trees at various densities, in a matrix of grazed grassland, heathland and/or woodland floras. This combination, proximity, connectivity and longevity of habitats provides an often biodiverse habitat mosaic and varied vegetation structure that supports a range of species including specialist ferns, lichens, fungi and bryophytes, dead-wood invertebrates, bats and birds.

Local Habitat Character

3.10 Characteristic features of parkland sites (as summarised within the North Yorkshire SINC guidelines18) and occurring locally, include: • Woodland with old and/or veteran trees • Walled gardens • Mature tree belts and scattered trees • Pasture with/without scattered old or veteran trees • Tree lined avenues • Hedgerows • Plantations including exotic species • Arboretums and orchards • Topiary and Shrubberies • Ponds & lakes • Becks & streams • Ha-has • Estate buildings including ice houses • Brick and/or stone walls

3.11 Old trees in particular, are vital for rare invertebrates, lichens and fungi. Oak bush cricket (Meconema thalassinum) is a notable invertebrate

18 North Yorkshire SINC Panel, 2002, Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation in North Yorkshire – Guidelines for Site Selection.

found in only scattered locations in the Borough and is associated with veteran trees and sulphur polypore (Laetiporus sulphurous) is a very distinctive locally found fungus.

3.12 Bat species in Doncaster that are typically found in parkland or veteran trees, making use of the crevices and hollow rot holes for roosting, include noctlule (Nyctalus noctula), daubenton’s bat (Myotis mystacinus) and natterer's bat (Myotis nattererii), but a number of other species may be found foraging, including pipistrelle (Pipistrellus spp). Parkland and wood pasture bird species are hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes) feeding on the seeds of parkland hornbeams and cherry, lesser-spotted woodpecker (Dendrocopus minor) and spotted flycatcher (Muscicapa striata).

3.13 Doncaster’s Species Audit identifies 58 species of conservation importance associated with Parkland, Wood Pasture and Veteran Trees19.

Notable Sites and Features

3.14 Although Thorne and Hatfield Moors (including Lindholme Island) don’t function as ancient forests in any taxonomical definition, their entomological assemblages contain strong elements of Ancient Woodland and saproxylic fauna, in the context of the Hatfield Chase. Parkland orders exist for the Hatfield and Braithwell areas.

19 Doncaster Local Biodiversity Action Plan, (2007), Doncaster Biodiversity Action Partnership, www.doncaster.gov.uk/biodiversity

Site Selection Criteria – Parkland and Wood Pasture

3.15 Sites that meet one or more of the following criteria will be eligible for Local Wildlife Site designation.

PK1 Parkland or wood pasture sites greater than 5 ha that support habitats and species traditionally associated with parkland or wood pasture and/or support individual, groupings or scattered old, notable or veteran trees.

Application

3.16 This criterion should be applied to all parkland and wood pasture sites exceeding the minimum area requirement for the site unit, irrespective of designation or listing. The site should exhibit a combination of semi- natural habitats or man-made features (as previously listed) supporting related biodiversity interest. Site boundaries should reflect landscape and habitat management units and features and may therefore incorporate estate buildings and infrastructure. Arable land units should be excluded from the site area, but may be included within the site boundary.

Rationale

3.17 Parkland sites supporting traditionally associated habitats provide a diverse range of biodiversity features. As a result of relative habitat continuity, lack of modification and traditional land management practices they can support a range of species that may no longer occur in the wider countryside or that are specifically associated with niche habitats related with long standing features. Of particular significance are old and veteran trees, which themselves provide stable habitats at a micro-habitat and landscape scale.

PK2 Groupings of relatively old and/or veteran trees in former parkland, wood pasture or similar sites, and known to support fungi and/or invertebrates and/or lichens which are either characteristic or specialist species of veteran trees.

Application

3.18 This criterion focuses on known former and existing parkland and wood pasture sites, irrespective of condition, altered use, management or fragmented nature. Eligible sites are required to support groupings of relatively old20 and/or veteran trees (either native or exotic) and their associated specialist biodiversity. Site boundaries will reflect landscape and habitat management units for the feature of interest.

20 Read, H. (2000) Veteran Trees: A guide to good management. Peterborough: English Nature.

Rationale

3.19 Veteran trees characteristically support features including; cavities and crevices, rot holes and hollows, pools, dead wood and sap runs, and such provide microhabitats and resources for a range of specialist species. Long-standing groupings of such can support a significant variety of wildlife and afford greater stability than individual specimens.

4. Hedgerow Habitats

4.1 The following guidelines aim to underpin the selection of sites supporting ancient and/or species rich hedgerows, and protect their identified biodiversity interest and value through Local Wildlife Site designation.

Habitat Description

4.2 Hedgerows are the green veins of the countryside, providing a network of wildlife corridors over large stretches of the UK. They are an important habitat for at least 47 existing species of conservation concern in the UK, including 13 globally threatened or rapidly declining species. They provide a sanctuary to over 600 plant species, 1500 varieties of insects, 65 varieties of birds and 20 mammal species in the UK, including Red Data Book species.21

4.3 The UK Biodiversity Steering Group defines ‘ancient’ hedgerows as “those, which were in existence before the 1720-1840 Enclosure Acts”. ‘Species rich’ hedgerows are those, which contain five or more native woody species per 30-metre length, or four or more in northern England22. However the importance of Hedgerows with fewer than five woody species per 30-metre length, but which have a rich basal flora, or are an important connection between otherwise isolated nature conservation sites, should not be overlooked.

4.4 By their nature and origin ancient hedgerows are often species rich, due to their composition of ‘useful’ timber and fruiting species and longevity in the landscape. Some ancient hedgerows may be remnants of larger woodlands or were planted using saplings from local woods. Such can provide an interesting insight into former landscapes, often associated with parish boundary ditches and banks, and as long- established and often structurally diverse features, perform an important habitat network function. By contrast enclosure hedges tend to comprise of few species and their layout is less closely associated with physical landscape features.

Habitat Status and Distribution

4.5 In 1993 the estimate of remaining hedgerows in the UK was 536,000 km. Between 1984 and 1990 the mean loss of hedgerow length in the UK was estimated at 24%. Of those 42% were thought to have been

21 Selman, Dodd & Bayes, (1999), A Biodiversity Audit of Yorkshire & The Humber 22 www.ukbap.org.uk - originally published in: Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report – Volume II: Action Plans (December 1995, Tranche 1, Vol 2, p243)

species rich or ancient. The UKBAP23 Habitat Action Plan estimates the total remaining UK resource of ancient and / or species rich hedges is approximately 190,000 km.

4.6 Important hedgerows line many of Doncaster’s ancient lanes and Greenways, and particular parts of the Borough are recognised for their species rich, long-established and well-connected hedgerow networks including Tickhill, Conisbrough Parks, Fishlake and Sykehouse. Long established hedgerows, such as those along ancient lanes, are a vital biodiversity resource in their own right and also serve an important wildlife corridor function, particularly those linking ancient or remnant woodland sites together. This resource is of even greater biodiversity value when accompanied by other semi-natural habitats occurring along, ditches, verges, banks and drains, where the structural mosaic can support a wealth of wildlife.

Hedgerow Habitat Communities

4.7 Hedgerow communities are shaped by numerous factors including age and origin, geology, function, management and neighbouring landuse. DMBC have classified and quantified the Borough’s hedgerows into 7 categories based upon their physical structure alone. Structure and integrity can provide an indication of the floral diversity of a hedgerow, and the likelihood of other species of fauna using it for food and cover. The floral composition will however be more strongly linked to other factors, e.g. some hedgerow species have particular affinities with the individual landscape character areas of the borough24.

Table 4.1 – Hedge types in Doncaster Borough by defined structure category

Type % of total in borough Length in borough Light hedge 16.28% 372.8km (low/gappy/thin) Solid hedgerows 25.03% 573.2km Tall shrub hedgerows 16.15% 369.8km Tree studded hedgerows 9.11% 208.6km Mostly trees 26.98% 617.8km Natural tree line 4.51% 103.2km Tree screen 1.93% 44.2km

23 www.ukbap.org.uk - originally published in: Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report – Volume II: Action Plans (December 1995, Tranche 1, Vol 2, p243) 24 DMBC, December 2006, Doncaster Landscape Character Assessment and Capacity Study.

Local Habitat Character

4.8 Some of the Borough’s most important hedgerows occur within the band of Southern Magnesian Limestone, where fragmented remnants of species rich hedgerows provide clues to historic field patterns. Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea), wild cherry (Prunus avium) and purging buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), the foodplant of the Brimstone butterfly (Gonepteryx rhamni), are typically limestone species and it is on the limestone that sessile oak (Quercus petraea) is likely to be spotted if carefully looked for.

4.9 The clay and carrland areas run down the middle of the borough from north to south and hedges will appear with guelder rose (Viburnum opulus) and crab apple (Malus sylvestris). Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) and Wild service tree (Sorbus torminalis) are of special interest and are found in clay and lime based soils.

4.10 The largest proportion of willow (Salix spp) is concentrated in the Borough’s northern villages. Veteran pollarded willows are a distinctive feature of the Doncaster Borough, being characteristic of old hedgerows by ditches in the Sykehouse and Fishlake area in particular.

4.11 The hedgerow species of Doncaster’s sandstone tend to be more ubiquitous, but heath specialists such as gorse (Ulex spp) and broom (Cytisus scoparius) will be noticed amongst the hedgerows of the eastern sandy areas.

4.12 Doncaster’s Species Audit identifies 78 species of conservation importance associated with Ancient and Species Rich Hedgerows25.

Notable Sites and Features

4.13 The presence of veteran trees can also provide an important insight into the age of a hedgerow, or evidence of former ancient wood pasture. The incidence of veteran pollarded willows along greenlanes in the Fishlake and Sykehouse area is of particular note.

4.14 Where hedgerows are subject to low intensity or traditional management, species of national and regional importance may be supported, including invertebrates such as the Scarce vapourer moth (Orgyia recens).

25 Doncaster Local Biodiversity Action Plan, (2007), Doncaster Biodiversity Action Partnership, www.doncaster.gov.uk/biodiversity

Site Selection Criteria - Hedgerows

4.15 Sites that meet one or more of the following criteria will be eligible for Local Wildlife Site designation.

HD1 A hedgerow that is at least 30 metres in length, pre-dates 1845 and supports;

(a) 5 or more species per 30 metre sample, of native hedgerow trees and shrubs listed in the ‘Ancient and/or Species Rich hedgerows’ character list for woody species (Table 4.2), or

(b) 4 or more species per 30 metre sample of native hedgerow trees and shrubs (Table 4.2), and has a score of 5 or more from the ‘Ancient and/or Species Rich hedgerows’ character list for non-woody species (Table 4.3), or

(d) Is remnant ancient woodland of hedgerow dimension

Application

4.16 This criterion should be applied to all hedgerows exceeding 30m in length and believed to pre-date 1845, as determined by map and field evidence. This milestone is taken to represent the pre-dating of enclosure acts (irrespective of the existence of the Act), as supported by the Amended Hedgerow Regulations 1997 27. This criterion is in many provisions compatible with the hedgerow regulations, but focuses on biodiversity value. The minimum linear site length is 30m, although site boundaries will relate to recognisable management units and semi- natural landscape features. In this instance, species highlighted in bold on the hedgerow species lists also include those species associated with hedgerows on limestone substrates, which are considered to be of particular local biodiversity value.

Rationale

4.17 Pre-enclosure Act hedgerows are considered to be ancient hedgerows by the UK Habitat Action Plan for Hedgerows. Such long-established semi-natural features of the landscape can exhibit great structural diversity, support features of great biodiversity value, such as veteran trees and even represent remnants of the original wildwoods. Particular

26 Pretty E., et al. (2001), Notable and Venerable Trees in the Doncaster Borough, Doncaster Metropolitan Council. 27 The Hedgerow Regulations (1997) Amended, & Amendment to the Hedgerow Regulations 1997: A guide to the Law and Good Practice (page 27)

emphasis has been awarded to hedgerows with an associated limestone flora, which tend to be more botanically diverse, are of limited distribution and have suffered more from degradation and removal on the fertile limestone plateau and river valley areas. Despite this a geographical weighting has not been adopted, and sites will be required to meet the criterion on age and biodiversity attributes.

HD2 Hedgerow/s connecting statutory sites or Local Wildlife Sites, which are at least 30 metres in length, 0.5km or less apart and support 3 or more native tree and shrub species (Table 4.2) and/or has a score of 3 or more for non woody species (Table 4.3).

Application

4.18 This criterion should be applied to any stretch of ‘connecting’ hedgerow of a more or less continuous nature, where gaps should not account collectively for more than 25% of the hedge line. The criterion targets hedgerows of lesser, yet substantive biodiversity value, which can to function as an effective wildlife corridor based upon their proximity to other statutory and Local Wildlife Sites. Sites meeting the above assessment criteria will be proposed for Local Wildlife Site designation, with boundaries based upon habitat management units and semi- natural landscape features.

Rationale

4.19 Hedgerows are a significant wildlife habitat in their own right, and also provide a network of structured vegetation corridors across the wider landscape. The connectivity and relative position of habitat features within a wider ecological unit is important in supporting the effective functioning of particular habitats and the natural population dynamics of the species that live and move within and between them. Hedgerows themselves may reflect the former extent of semi-natural woodland, however their value as a wildlife corridor linking a range of habitats is extremely important, particularly when the sites are statutory or other Local Wildlife Sites. This, along with corresponding site selection criteria for other habitat types, supports the guidance contained within PPS9, on the maintenance of networks of natural habitats.

Table 4.2 Ancient and/or Species Rich hedgerows - Character list for woody species

Scientific Name Common Name Acer campestre Field Maple Alnus glutinosa Alder Berberis vulgaris Barberry Betula sp. Birch sp Cornus sanguinea Dogwood Corylus avellana Hazel Crataegus laevigata Midland Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Cytisus scoparius Broom Daphne laureola Spurge-laurel Euonymus europaeus Spindle Frangula alnus Alder Buckthorn Fraxinus excelsior Ash Ilex aquifolium Holly Ligustrum vulgare Wild privet Malus sylvestris Crab Apple Populus tremula Aspen Prunus avium Wild Cherry Prunus padus Bird Cherry Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Quercus robur Pedunculate Oak Quercus x rosacea Hybrid Oak Rhamnus cathartica Buckthorn Rosa arvensis Field Rose Rosa canina agg. Dog Rose Salix sp. Willow sp Sambucus nigra Elder Sorbus aucuparia Whitebeam Sorbus torminalis Wild Service-tree Tilia cordata Small-leaved Lime Tilia platyphyllos Large-leaved Lime Ulex europaeus Gorse Ulmus glabra Wych Elm Ulmus procera English Elm Viburnum lantana Wayfaring-tree Viburnum opulus Guelder Rose

Species in bold score 2

Table 4.3 Ancient and/or Species Rich hedgerows - character list for non-woody species

Scientific Name Common Name Adoxa moschatellina Moschatel Agrostis capillaries Comon bent Allium ursinum Ramsons Anemone nemorosa Wood anemone Anisantha sterilis Barren brome Arum maculatum Lords-and-ladies Asplenium adiantum-nigrum Black spleenwort Asplenium ruta-muraria Wall Rue fern Asplenium trichomanes Maidenhair spleenwort Athyrium filix-femina Lady fern Brachypodium pinnatum Tor grass Brachypodium sylvaticum Wood false-brome Bromopsis erecta Upright brome Bromopsis ramose Hairy brome Bromus hordeaceus Soft brome Bryonia dioica White bryony Campanula latifolia Great bell-flower Carex spicata Spiked sedge Carex sylvatica Wood sedge Ceterach officinarum Rustyback fern Circaea lutetiana Enchanter's nightshade Conopodium majus Pignut Cystopteris fragilis Brittle bladder fern Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot Deschampsia cespitosa Tufted hair-grass Deschampsia flexuosa Wavy hair-grass Dryopteris affinis Scaly male-fern Dryopteris dilatata Broad buckler fern Dryopteris filix-mas Male fern Equisetum arvense Horsetail Festuca gigantean Giant fescue Festuca rubra Red fescue Fragaria vesca Wild strawberry Galium odoratum Woodruff Geranium robertianum Herb robert Geum urbanum Wood avens/Herb bennet Glechoma hederacea Ground ivy Hedera helix English Ivy Helleborus foetidus Stinking hellebore Holcus lanatus Yorkshire fog

Holcus mollis Creeping soft grass Humulus lupulus Golden hop Hyacinthoides non-scripta Bluebell Hypericum hirsutum Hairy St-John's wort Lamiastrum galeobdolon Yellow archangel Lonicera periclymenum Honeysuckle Lysimachia nemorum Yellow pimpernel Melica uniflora Wood melick Mercurialis perennis Dog's mercury Narcissus pseudonarcissus Wild daffodil Oxalis acetosella Wood sorrel Paris quadrifolia Herb paris Phyllitis scolopendrium Hart's tongue fern Poa nemoralis Wood meadow-grass Poa pratensis Smooth meadow-grass Poa trivialis Rough meadow-grass Polypodium vulgare Common polypody Polystichum aculeatum Hard shield fern Potentilla erecta Tormentil Potentilla sterilis Barren strawberry Primula vulgaris Primrose Ranunculus auricomus Goldilocks buttercup Ranunculus ficaria Lesser celandine Ranunculus repens Creeping buttercup Rubus fruticosus agg. Blackberry/ Bramble Sanicula europaea Sanicle Silene dioica Red campion Stellaria holostea Greater stitchwort Tamus communis Black bryony Teucrium scorodonia Wood sage Veronica Montana Wood speedwell Viola odorata Sweet violet Viola reichenbachiana Early dog violet Viola riviniana Common dog violet

Species in bold score 2

5. Grassland Habitats, including Lowland Heathland / Acid Grassland Mosaics

5.1 Doncaster borough supports a diversity of grassland habitats ranging from vegetated limestone crags, through to lowland heath and scrub communities. The following guidelines aim to underpin the selection of sites supporting grassland habitats and protect their identified biodiversity interest and value through Local Wildlife Site designation.

Habitat Description Grasslands

5.2 Grasslands represent the early stages of natural succession, and management that prevents tree establishment, is critical in the maintenance of grassland habitats. Mowing and grazing are the main forms of management but burning has been used in some situations. The term 'meadow' refers to grassland, which is mown for hay. 'Pasture' is grassland grazed by farm animals. Meadows tend to be sited on flatter terrain including floodplains, where cutting machinery can be used. Grazing and mowing management create grassland with differing species composition, arising from the fact that mowing and grazing occur at different times of year and that mowing uniformly and indiscriminately removes plant material whereas grazing animals tend to be selective. Managed grasslands can support a diversity of grasses and flowering herbs as well as providing habitat for a vast array of invertebrates and a variety of ground nesting birds, reptiles and small mammals. Similarly, artificial grassland habitats on industrial spoils can often support a unique mix of limestone, acidic and sand dune grassland ecology, due to varying PH levels. Site selection of distinct grassland habitats of substantive biodiversity value, can also be considered under the selection guidelines for habitats of artificial substrates.

Lowland Heathland

5.3 Lowland Heathland is characterised by the presence of dwarf shrubs such as heather, ling (Calluna vulgaris), bell heather (Erica cinerea) and cross leaved heath (Erica tetralix) and is generally found at altitudes below 300 metres AOD. Within Doncaster borough heathland predominantly occurs as a mosaic with dry acidic grasslands. Dry lichen and bryophyte-dominated heath, areas of wet heath, gorse (Ulex spp.) and broom (Ctisus scoparius) scrub, and birch (Betula spp.) and oak (Quercus spp.) woodland also form important components of the heathland mosaic.

Scrub

5.4 Scrub can also be an important transitional habitat between grassland and woodland habitats. Scrub 'invasion' is often seen as detrimental to floristic diversity but scrub, typically hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), bramble (Rubus spp) and occasionally gorse (Ulex spp), can provide an important habitat in its own right and supports a range of invertebrates and birds. Patches of low scrub within grassland areas can also provide structural diversity and increase the range of species present.

5.5 The determination of appropriate Local Wildlife Site boundaries for grassland sites allows for the inclusion of stands of scrub where they are closely associated with the habitat community.

Habitat Status and Distribution

5.6 The majority of grassland habitats in the United Kingdom are of 'semi- natural' origin, having arisen as a result of many centuries of grazing of animals following the clearance of the wildwoods that once covered the land. These grasslands were not sown, but have been created by animal browsing which promoted the spread of plants tolerant of constant grazing e.g. grasses, rosette-forming and herbaceous perennials. Other inedible or toxic plants may survive. Other grasslands may have arisen in recent times from a formerly arable land, which has been sown with grass seed. These improved grasslands now account for the great majority of all grassland found in rural and urban areas, The biodiversity of such grassland sites is generally low, although they can be of importance for winter-feeding waterfowl or ground nesting birds.

5.7 Grassland, comprising improved, neutral, acid, calcareous and bracken covers 38% of England28 while the Yorkshire and Humber region has a slightly higher than average cover of 40%.

5.8 Lowland Heathland is a national priority for conservation because it is a rare and threatened habitat, the UK supporting about a fifth of the world total. In England only one sixth of the heathland present in 1800 now remains29. The largest areas of Lowland Heathland tend to be in the southern counties of England; however, important and unique heathland habitats are associated with the coversands of Lincolnshire and acid grassland/heathland mosaics of the North Nottinghamshire/South Yorkshire border.

28 Countryside Survey 1990, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Centre for Ecology and Hydrology. 29 UK biodiversity steering group (1995). Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report. Volume 2: Action Plans.HMSO, London.

Grassland and Lowland Heathland Habitat Communities

5.9 Relict areas of species-rich grasslands and grassland/heathland mosaics, wherever they occur in the Borough, are very important reservoirs of biodiversity. The species composition of grasslands is greatly influenced by the nature of the underlying soils, particularly the soil acidity, composition and porosity.

Table 5.1 - Identification of Grassland and Grassland/Heathland Mosaic Communities in Doncaster Borough

Habitat NVC National Vegetation Classification Communities type type MG1 False oat-grass (Arrhenatherum elatius) grassland Meadow foxtail - Great burnet (Alopecurus pratensis - MG4 Sanguisorba officinalis) grassland Crested dogs-tail – Common knapweed (Cynosurus MG5 cristatus - Centaurea nigra) grassland Perennial ryegrass - Crested dogs-tail (Lolium perenne - MG6 Cynosurus cristatus) grassland Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) leys and related MG7 grassland Yorkshire fog – Tufted hair grass (Holcus lanatus - MG9 Deschampsia cespitosa) grassland Yorkshire fog – Soft rush (Holcus lanatus - Juncus MG10 effuses) rush pasture Grassland CG3 Upright brome (Bromus erectus) grassland CG4 Tor grass (Brachypodium pinnatum) grassland Upright brome – Tor grass (Bromus erectus - CG5 Brachypodium pinnatum) grassland Sheep’s fescue – Common bent (Festuca ovina – CG10 Agrostis capillaris) grassland. Sheep’s fescue – Common bent – Sheep’s sorrel U1 (Festuca ovina - Agrostis capillaries - Rumex acetosella) grassland U2 Wavy hair grass (Deschampsia flexuosa) grassland Sheep’s fescue – Common bent – Heath bedstraw U4 (Festuca ovina - Agrostis capillaries - Galium saxatile) grassland Bracken – Heath bedstraw (Pteridium aquilinum - Galium U20 saxatile) community Heather – Dwarf gorse (Calluna vulgaris – Ulex minor) H2 heath scrub Heather – Wavy hair grass (Calluna vulgaris - Heathland H9 Deschampsia flexuosa) heath Heather – Bell heather (Calluna vulgaris - Erica cinerea) H10 heath

5.10 Three distinct grassland types have been identified within Doncaster’s Local Biodiversity Action Plan for their conservation importance:

Limestone Grassland

5.11 It is estimated that there are between 40,000 and 50 000ha of calcareous grassland in the UK30, distributed from Devon to Shetland, but local climate and subtle differences in underlying rock type means that are many different calcareous grassland types. Magnesian Limestone grassland is of very restricted extent in the British Isles, being limited to a narrow band of limestone which stretches from Ripon in the north, to Nottingham in the south. The borough’s Magnesian Limestone supports some of Doncaster's richest calcareous grasslands.

Local Habitat Character

5.12 Oat grasses often dominate the sward, together with upright brome or, in ranker areas, tor grass. The presence of fissures and cracks in the underlying limestone means that rainwater drains quickly through the thin soil, making some areas very dry and encouraging the dominance of creeping and sheep's fescues (Festuca spp). Characteristic flowering herbs include fairy flax (Linum catharticum), bird's-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), lady's bedstraw (Galium verum), restharrow (Ononis repens), hoary plantain (Plantago coronopus), yellow wort (Blackstonia perfoliata), salad burnet (Sanguisorba minor), wild basil (Clinopodium vulgare), common milkwort (Polygala vulgaris) and autumn gentian (Gentianella amarelle). Autumn lady's tresses (Spiranthes spiralis), squinancywort (Asperula cynanchica), rockrose (Helianthemum nummularium), clustered bellflower (Campanula glomerata), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), small scabious (Scabiosa columbaria), burnet saxifrage (Pimpinella saxifrage) and pyramidal orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis) also occur at the most diverse sites.

5.13 Other plants of lime-rich soils include musk thistle (Carduus nutans), carline thistle (Carlina vulgaris), dwarf thistle (Cirsium acaule), common spotted orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsia), blue fleabane (Erigeron acer), dyers greenweed (Genista tinctoria), dropwort (Filipendula hexapetala), fragrant orchid (Gymnadenia conopsea), ploughman's spikenard (Inula conyza), crested hairgrass (Koeleria macrantha), bee orchid (Ophrys apifera), pale St John's-wort (Hypericum montanum), meadow oat (Helictotrichon pratense), horseshoe vetch (Hippocrepis comosa), marjoram (Origanum vulgare), early purple orchid (Orchis mascula) and, in damper areas, greater fen sedge (Cladium mariscus).

5.14 Limestone grasslands support a diverse range of flora and fauna. The food plants of certain butterfly species, such as the marbled white (Melannargia galathea), occur only on Limestone Grassland sites.

30 Selman, Dodd & Bayes, (1999), A Biodiversity Audit of Yorkshire & The Humber

5.15 Doncaster’s Species Audit identifies 70 species of conservation importance associated with Limestone Grasslands31.

Notable Sites and Features

5.16 This type of habitat is represented in the Doncaster Borough as a part of Sprotbrough Gorge Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Particularly diverse Limestone Grassland sites include old quarries and railway cuttings and the limestone slopes and escarpments of the Don Gorge, as well as churchyards, and ancient rights of way. The lawns and extensive grasslands of several former country estates and historic sites include fragments of unimproved calcareous grassland.

5.17 Areas of bare limestone spoil associated with limestone quarrying and limekilns can also support populations of the Red Data Book flamingo moss (Tortula cernua, formerly Desmatodon cernuus). The moss is mostly associated with finer substrates, which are thought to exhibit greater alkalinity due to particle size, rather than chemical composition of kiln wastes, for which the associated plant assemblage does not differ from that of natural limestone substrates.

5.18 A unique form of limestone flora is also found on the isolated calcareous moraine of Lindholme Island, surrounded by acid bog.

Neutral and Wet Grassland

5.19 It is estimated that there are less than 15,000ha of species-rich neutral grassland in the UK. Wet grasslands, including floodplain and coastal grazing marshes are estimated at 300,000ha 32 but only a small proportion of this grassland supports a high diversity of native plant species. In Doncaster Borough the low-lying clay and alluvial soils of the Humberhead Levels support small pockets unimproved and semi- improved neutral grassland, within a landscape of intensive agricultural production dominated by arable cultivation, grazing pastures and ryegrass leys. Most areas of unimproved neutral grassland are small fields, often associated with a landscape of hedges, green lanes and small woodlands, and are relict of a former pre-Enclosure landscape. Pockets of grassland survive within farms, on railway embankments, in old quarries, churchyards and along ancient rights of way, and as road verges. Unimproved neutral grasslands are also a feature of large country estates.

31 Doncaster Local Biodiversity Action Plan, (2007), Doncaster Biodiversity Action Partnership, www.doncaster.gov.uk/biodiversity. 32 ibid

Local Habitat Character

5.20 The most diverse of neutral grasslands are typically flower-rich hay meadows or pastures with a diversity of grasses and sedges such as common bent (Agrostis capillaries), sweet vernal-grass (Anthoxanthum oderatum), quaking grass (Briza media), crested dog's-tail (Cynosurus cristatus), red fescue (Festuca rubra), Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus), cock's-foot (Dactylis glomerata), spring sedge (Carex caryophyllea), glaucous sedge (Carex flacca), and varying proportions of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne). Flowering herbs include yarrow (Achillea millefolium), black knapweed (Centaurea nigra), lady's bedstraw (Galium verum), field scabious (Knautia arvensis), ox-eye daisy (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum), cowslip (Primula veris), bulbous buttercup (Ranunculus bulbosus), yellow rattle (Rhinanthus minor), great burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis), pepper saxifrage (Silaum silaus), betony (Stachys officinalis), common sorrel (Rumex acetosa), meadow vetchling (Lathyrus pratensis), lesser stitchwort (Stellaria graminea), devil's-bit scabious (Succisa pratensis), germander speedwell (Veronica chamaedrys), clovers (Trifolium spp), self-heal (Prunella vulgaris), common cat's-ear (Hypochoeris radicata), sweet vernal grass (Anthoxanthum oderatum), pignut (Conopodium majus) and common spotted orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsia). Some sites also support populations of the much scarcer adder's tongue fern (Ophioglossum vulgatum) and snake's-head fritillary (Fritillaria meleagris), bitter vetch (Lathyrus montanus), dyers greenweed (Genista tinctoria) and green winged orchid (Orchis morio).

5.21 In areas of damper or deeper soils, floodplains or in areas of low lying poorly-drained soils are fragments of flood-plain grazing marshes and damp grasslands, often with areas of wet woodland and scrub. These tend to have less diversity of flowering herbs and are dominated by tall, and tussock-forming, grasses such as cock'-s foot (Dactylis glomerata), tufted hairgrass (Deschampsia caespitose), meadow foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis) and reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea).

5.22 Many of Doncaster’s butterflies and moths, along with a variety of other insects, rely on the nectar source provided by flower-rich neutral grassland, as well as those plant foods found along the bottom of damp hedgerows and in the more 'untidy' or unmanaged grasslands of railway embankments.

5.23 Mammals such as the harvest mouse (Micromys minutes), more often associated with arable farmland, can also be found in areas of tall tussocky grassland, particularly damp unmanaged grasslands, commonly found around the edges of lowland marshes, ponds, lakes and ditches. Such habitats also support good populations of other small mammals such as mice, shrews and voles, which in turn are prey for birds such as barn owl (Tyto alba) and kestrel (Falco tinnunculus).

5.24 Lowland neutral grassland sites are also vital feeding, nesting and roosting areas for birds such as meadow pipit (Anthus pratensis), skylark (Alauda arvensis), lapwing (Vanellus vanellus), curlew (Numenius arquata), snipe (Gallinago gallinago) and redshank (Tringa totanus). Wet grasslands and low lying grasslands, especially those near to seasonal washlands are also important wintering grounds for a diversity of waterfowl such as Bewick (Cygnus columbarius), whooper (Cygnus Cygnus) and mute (Cygnus olor) swans, pochard (Aythya farina), teal (Anas crecca), wigeon (Anas Penelope) and a diversity of wading birds.

5.25 Doncaster’s Species Audit identifies 79 species of conservation importance associated with Neutral and Wet Grassland.33

Notable Sites and Features

5.26 This type of habitat is represented in the Doncaster Borough as a part of 4 Biological Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Owston Hay Meadows, Went Ings Meadows, Shirley Pool and River Idle Washlands. Particularly diverse neutral grassland sites include small fields in the pre-Enclosure landscapes of Fishlake and Sykehouse. An interesting grassland feature in the Borough is the ‘land tops’ or locally named ‘rig and fur,’ which superficially looks like ridge and furrow formation, hence the local name. These lines of high and low land are created to aid land drainage, but also consequently create wet and dry areas in close proximity, thus increasing botanical diversity.

5.27 Improved and semi-improved grass leys are typical of the many miles of riverside flood embankments alongside the rivers of the Doncaster Borough, such as the River Went, the Ea Beck, the Don, Dearne, Torne and, in the south of the Borough, the River Idle.

Acid Grassland (inc. Lowland Heathland Mosaics

5.28 Lowland acid grassland is limited in its extent and is estimated to cover an area less then 30,000 ha in the UK.34 Within Doncaster borough Acid grassland and lowland heathland mosaics occur on the Sherwood Sandstone ridges and the fluvioglacial sands and gravels to the east and on the Coal Measures to the west.

5.29 There are three distinct types of Lowland Heathland present in the Doncaster Borough, which remain as fragments of once extensive areas that had developed in three distinct local geological areas:

33 Doncaster Local Biodiversity Action Plan, (2007), Doncaster Biodiversity Action Partnership, www.doncaster.gov.uk/biodiversity 34 UK biodiversity steering group (1995). Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report. Volume 2: Action Plans.HMSO, London.

• Sandstone heathland, which has formed on sandy, acid soils following historic woodland clearance. Fragments of heathland habitat occur along the Triassic Sherwood Sandstone Ridge that runs north from Bawtry to Doncaster, and east from Doncaster to Hatfield. The former widespread status of heathland is indicated by historic place names referring to Lings and Commons. Sandall Beat Site of Special Scientific Interest is a late 18th and 19th century plantation established on the site of old fen and heathland. This heathland was originally contiguous with the heath and acid grassland on Doncaster Common and linked to the heathland habitats of the locality. Heathland habitats and their important associated faunal communities survive today on sites left after commercial extraction.of glaciofluvial – laustrine sands and gravels, most notably around Austerfield, Finningley, Blaxton, Hatfield Woodhouse and Hatfield Moors.

• Moorland heathland that has formed following drainage and abandonment of peaty soils. Important wet heathland habitats are represented in the Doncaster Borough at two other Sites of Special Scientific Interest namely, Hatfield Moors SSSI, and Thorne, Crowle and Goole Moors SSSI. These sites are also Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and support internationally important assemblages of heathland species. The nightjar population present on the Moors means that these sites also qualify as a Special Protection Area (SPA). On Hatfield Moors, refugia of vegetation have survived as rather dry heathland and as birch woodland. Plants include the dwarf shrubs Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, cotton-grass (Eriophorum angustifolium and E. vaginatum), cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos), bog-rosemary (Andromeda polifolia), bog-myrtle (Myrica gale), and the bog-mosses (Sphagnum cuspidatum, S. recurvum, S. papillosum, S. subnitens and S. tenellum).

• Coal Measures Heathland and Acid Grassland Mosaics that have developed in the far northwestern corner of the Borough associated with outcrops of Carboniferous sandstones. Heathlands have also developed on the acid shales of colliery spoils, where parts of such sites have been purposefully left to natural colonization rather than being subject to more formal reclamation.

Local Habitat Character

5.30 Characteristic lowland heathland / acid grassland mosaic species include bird's-foot (Ornithopus perpusillus), wild pansy (Viola tricolour), heath bedstraw (Galium saxatile), harebell (Campanula rotundifolia), early and changing forget-me-nots (Myosotis ramosissima) and (Myosotis discolour), heath rush (Juncus squarrosus), mat grass (Nardus stricta), wavy hair-grass (Deschampsia flexuosa), early hair-grass (Aira praecox), silvery hair-grass (Aira caryophyllea), squirrel-tail and rat's-tail fescues (Vulpia bromoides) and (Vulpia myuros), purple moor grass (Molinia caerulea), sheep's sorrel (Rumex acetosella), tormentil (Potentilla erecta), wood sage

(Teucrium scorodonia), common stork's-bill (Erodium cicutarium), sand spurrey (Spergularia rubra), hare's-foot clover (Trifolium arvense), parsley piert (Aphanes arvensis), buck's-horn plantain (Plantago coronopus), slender St John's wort (Hypericum pulchrum), heath milkwort (Polygala serpyllifolia), and lawns of cup lichen and dog lichen (Cladonia sp.) and (Peltigera sp.).

5.31 With the notable exception of the Humberhead Peatlands National Nature Reserve (NNR), the occurrence of dwarf-shrub heath is very restricted, with the heather elements often being sub-ordinate to acidic grassland. Both European (Ulex europaeus) and dwarf gorse (U. minor) occur as a scrub element of Doncaster heathlands and western gorse (U. gallii) has also been recorded from a few Doncaster Lowland Heathland sites.

5.32 Some damper sites also support Sphagnum mosses (Sphagnum spp.) and cotton grasses (Eriophorum spp.) but the gradual lowering of the local water table has greatly reduced the amount of wet heath habitat. Generally, wet heath habitats will comprise of Erica tetralix and other associated heathland shrubs and are limited in distribution to the Boroughs SSSIs (within Thorne and Hatfield Moors). Dry Heath is principally comprised of Erica cinerea and other associated heathland shrubs.

5.33 Lowland Heathlands support a range of birds and insects, many of which are rare in Britain. Doncaster's heathlands are important for a number of characteristic fauna including common lizard (Lacerta vivipara), adder (Vipera berus), nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus), woodlark (Lullula arborea) and invertebrates, specifically aculeate hymenoptera (mining bees and wasps). A number of Red Data Book and Notable Invertebrate species are also associated with dry and wet heaths. Heathland sites are also notable for the diversity and abundance of fungi. Lichen and bryophyte heaths are also an important component of the heathland vegetation of many Doncaster sites

5.34 Doncaster’s Species Audit identifies 138 species of conservation importance associated with Lowland Heathlands and Acid Grasslands35.

Notable Sites and Features

5.35 An unusual feature of the heathlands of southern-central Doncaster is the abundance of dwarf gorse (Ulex minor). This community has some affinity to the H2 Calluna vulgaris – Ulex minor heath scrub community, which is currently described as being limited to areas of heath around Poole Harbour and the New Forest.

35 Doncaster Local Biodiversity Action Plan, (2007), Doncaster Biodiversity Action Partnership, www.doncaster.gov.uk/biodiversity.

5.36 As its name suggests, western gorse is more typically found in western parts of the UK and this species is at its eastern-most limit in the Doncaster Borough. Similarly Ulex minor is a peculiarity in Doncaster and is generally associated with National Vegetation Classification communities found in other parts of the Country.

5.37 Species such as hard fern (Blechnum spicant), spring vetch (Vicia sativa), shepherd's cress (Teesdalia nudicaulis), heath cudweed (Gnaphalium sylvaticum) and most notably petty whin (Genista anglica), are characteristic heathland plants which are now of very restricted occurrence in Doncaster.

5.38 There are also historic and present day records of sand sedge (Carex arenaria)-dominated 'dune' heath. This community has affinities with the National Vegetation Classification sand dune community types SD11 Carex arenaria -Cornicularia aculeata dune and SD12 Carex arenaria-Festuca ovina- Agrostis capillaris dune grassland.

Site Selection Criteria – Grassland and Heathland

5.39 Sites that meet one or more of the following criteria will be eligible for Local Wildlife Site designation.

GR1 Areas of ancient or long established semi-natural grassland of at least 0.1ha in size, or at least 50m in length if along a linear feature (drain, verge, bank, hedge, way leave), that support stands of one or more of the following National Vegetation Classification community types:

U1 sheep’s fescue – common bent – sheep’s sorrel grassland (Festuca ovina-Agrostis capillaris-Rumex acetosella)

U2 wavy hair-grass grassland (Deschampsia flexuosa)

U4 sheep’s fescue – common bent – heath bedstraw grassland (Festuca ovina-Agrostis capillaris-Galium saxatile)

MG4 meadow foxtail – greater burnet grassland (Alopecurus pratensis-Sanguisorba officinalis)

MG5 crested dog’s-tail – common knapweed grassland (Cynosurus cristatus-Centaurea nigra)

CG3 upright brome grassland (Bromus erectus)

CG4 tor grass grassland (Brachypodium pinnatum)

CG5 upright brome – tor grass grassland (Bromus erectus-Brachypodium pinnatum)

Application

5.40 This criterion should be applied to all grasslands exceeding the minimum area or length requirement for the habitat unit and supporting grassland with an affinity to the above listed National Vegetation Classification communities. The minimum dimensions have been based upon knowledge of the existing habitat resource, however as site data is not generally recorded on a habitat compartment basis, the boundary will relate to recognisable management units for the selection attribute and to semi-natural landscape features. This criterion excludes recently created grasslands.

Rationale

5.41 This criterion targets semi-natural grassland communities of a nationally recognised type that are rare in Doncaster. Their rarity and limited extent, both in terms of size and isolation, necessitates appropriate protection and this is also reflected in the relatively small minimum area requirement. Determination of an appropriate site boundary should correspond with management units, rather than distinct habitat types, as this is likely to be fragmented or of varying NVC affinity. The designation of a broader management unit will also ensure that the valuable associated bryophyte interest is protected. Affinity to a characteristic NVC assemblage should reflect relative long- standing and therefore identify established and often species-rich grasslands, which are not of recent origin. Sites supporting more commonly occurring NVC communities and non-assignable habitats will be assessed using alternative grassland criteria.

GR2 Areas of semi-natural grassland of at least 0.25ha or 50m if along a linear feature (drain, verge, bank, hedge, way leave), scoring:

a) 45 or more from the ‘Neutral and wet grassland habitat character’ list (Table 5.2) or,

b) 26 or more from the ‘Limestone grassland habitat character’ list (Table 5.3) or,

c) 20 or more from the ‘Lowland heathland/Acid grassland mosaic habitat character’ list (Table 5.4).

Application

5.42 This criterion should be applied to all grassland and heathland mosaic sites including composite areas of bryophyte turf, scrub, bare ground and habitat mosaics, which exceed the minimum area or length requirement for the habitat unit. Habitats are required to attain the score specified for each of the corresponding Habitat Character lists. The species listed do not have to be present throughout the entire grassland. The species lists combine indicators of both local habitat typicality and quality, though do include rarities, which are highlighted in bold and contribute a double score. Grasslands should not have been recently created. The minimum site dimensions have been based upon knowledge of the existing habitat resource. Site boundaries should relate to recognisable management units and to semi-natural landscape features.

Rationale

5.43 This criterion assesses sites in terms of botanical diversity and local habitat typicality and provides a basic measure of the biodiversity of the Borough’s grassland and heathland mosaic resource. Sites that are long-standing and therefore potentially species-rich, due to longevity or traditional management, should rank highly. The species lists for the grassland types have varying scoring thresholds, based upon the differing nature of the habitats and their botanical attributes. A sample of sites of varying quality but representing each of the grassland types has been assessed to establish an appropriate scoring threshold for each.

GR3 Areas of semi-natural grassland of at least 0.25ha or 50m if along a linear feature (drain, verge, bank, hedge, way leave), which have a score within 20% of the qualifying threshold for any of the different local grassland types (see GR2) and which adjoin or lie within 500m of an existing grassland, heathland, or fen statutory site or Local Wildlife Site.

Application

5.44 This criterion should be applied to all sites supporting grassland habitats and heathland mosaics, exceeding the minimum dimensions for the habitat unit. This is a cumulative assessment based upon the identification of sites of lesser, yet substantive biodiversity value i.e. assessed as within 20% of the scores specified for qualification, and which can function as an effective wildlife corridor due to their proximity to other statutory and Local Wildlife Sites of a similar type. In accordance with Defra’s Local Sites guidance36, where a site has a number of small fragments of semi-natural habitats that together could be managed to provide linkages for natural colonisation or movement, a site boundary can be defined to take in a wider area and include discontinous patches. Sites meeting the above assessment criteria will be proposed for Local Wildlife Site designation.

Rationale

5.45 Sites identified for selection using this criterion have substantive biodiversity value, and support the ecological functions of the wider network of statutory and non-statutory sites. The relative position of sites within the wider landscape is essential in supporting similar habitats and their communities. This reflects the guidance contained within PPS9, on the maintenance of networks of natural features, through the retention and enhancement of wildlife corridors and linking of fragmented habitats. This is extremely significant when the sites are statutory or other Local Sites of a similar type.

36 Defra, 2006, Local Sites: Guidance on their Identification, Selection and Management

LH1 Areas greater than 0.1ha of dry or wet heath, which score 14 or more from the ‘Lowland heathland/Acid grassland mosaic habitat character’ list (Table 5.4).

Application

5.46 This criterion should be applied to all heathland sites wet or dry, exceeding the minimum area requirement for the habitat unit and attaining the score specified from the corresponding Habitat Character list. The species list reflects the ecological character of Doncaster’s heathland communities in light of their geographical, geological and landscape context, rather than assigned NVC categories. The species listed are not required to be present throughout the entire site. The site boundary may include other habitats considered to support the integrity and management of the heathland feature.

Rationale

5.47 This criterion targets sites in terms of their botanical diversity and local habitat typicality. These sites are important due to the rarity of the habitat within the region. In addition this habitat type supports a large number of species of conservation importance, many of which are uniquely associated with these habitats. The relatively small area requirement has been assigned to stress the rarity of the habitat in size and distribution.

LH2 Areas greater than 0.1ha of dry or wet heath, which have a score within 20% of the qualifying threshold for LH1 and which adjoin or lie within 500m of an existing grassland, heathland, or fen statutory site or Local Wildlife Site.

Application

5.48 This criterion should be applied to all sites supporting heathland habitats, which exceed the minimum area requirement for the habitat unit, attain a score within 20% of the qualifying threshold for heathland sites and is in close proximity to other statutory sites or Local Wildlife Sites of specified type. The site boundary can be defined to take in a wider area and include discontinous patches. The site boundary should be drawn to protect the sites interest as part of a management unit, and consider means of physical connectivity to neighbouring wildlife sites.

Rationale

5.49 Sites identified for selection using this criterion have substantive biodiversity value, and through their intrinsic value and relative position, can support the wider network of statutory and non-statutory sites. Due to the rarity of heathland habitats within the region it is important to

identify sites that exhibit some biodiversity interest and can also be targeted for enhancement and restoration.

Table 5.2 Neutral and wet grassland - Habitat Character list

Scientific Name Common Name Achillea millefolium Yarrow Agrostis capillaris Common Bent Agrostis stolonifera Creeping Bent / Fiorin Alopecurus geniculatus Marsh foxtail Alopecurus pratensis Meadow foxtail Angelica sylvestris Wild Angelica Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal-grass Bellis perennis Daisy Briza media Quaking Grass Bromus hordeaceus Soft-brome Campanula rotundifolia Harebell Cardamine pratensis Cuckooflower/ lady's smock Carex flacca Glaucous Sedge Carex hirta Hairy Sedge Carex ovalis Oval Sedge Centaurea nigra (Black) Common Knapweed Cerastium fontanum Common Mouse-ear Cirsium palustre Marsh Thistle Conopodium majus Pignut Cynosurus cristatus Crested Dog's-tail Dactylis glomerata Cock's-foot Dactylorhiza fuchsii Common Spotted-Orchid Dactylorhiza praetermissa Southern Marsh-Orchid Danthonia decumbens Heath Grass Deschampsia cespitosa Tufted-hairgrass Festuca ovina Sheep's Fescue Festuca rubra Red Fescue Filipendula ulmaria Meadowsweet Hypochaeris radicata Cat's-ear Juncus effusus Soft Rush Lathyrus pratensis Meadow Vetchling Leontodon autumnalis Autumn Hawkbit Leucanthemum vulgare Oxeye Daisy Lolium perenne Perennial Rye-Grass Lotus corniculatus Bird's-foot Trefoil Lotus uliginosus Greater Birdsfoot Trefoil Luzula campestris Field Wood-rush Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain Poa pratensis Smooth(-stalked) Meadow-Grass Poa trivialis Rough(-stalked) Meadow-Grass Potentilla erecta Tormentil Prunella vulgaris Self-heal Ranunculus acris Meadow Buttercup Ranunculus bulbosus Bulbous Buttercup Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup Rumex acetosa Common Sorrel Stellaria graminea Lesser Stitchwort Taraxacum officinale agg. Dandelions

Trifolium dubium Lesser (Yellow-)Trefoil Trifolium pratense Red Clover Trifolium repens White Clover Veronica chamaedrys Germander Speedwell Vicia cracca Tufted Vetch

Alchemilla glabra (Smooth) Lady's-mantle Alchemilla xanthochlora (Intermediate) Lady's-mantle Carex caryophyllea Spring Sedge Dactylorhiza fuchsii Common Spotted-orchid Knautia arvensis Field Scabious Leontodon hispidus Rough Hawkbit Ophioglossum vulgatum Adder's-Tongue (Fern) Primula veris Cowslip Rhinanthus minor Yellow Rattle Sanguisorba officinalis Great Burnet Silaum silaus Pepper-Saxifrage Stachys officinalis Betony Succisa pratensis Devil's-bit Scabious

Species in bold score 2

Table 5.3 Limestone grassland - Habitat Character list

Scientific Name Common Name Agrimonia eupatoria (Common) Agrimony Anthyllis vulneraria Kidney Vetch Brachypodium pinnatum Tor-Grass Briza media Quaking-Grass Bromopsis erecta Upright Brome Campanula rotundifolia Harebell Carex caryophyllea Spring Sedge Carex flacca Glaucous Sedge Centaurea scabiosa Greater Knapweed Centaurium erythraea Common Centaury Euphrasia Eyebrights Euphrasia anglica Eyebrights Euphrasia cambrica Eyebrights Euphrasia confusa Eyebrights Euphrasia nemorosa Eyebrights Euphrasia officinalis agg. Eyebrights Galium verum Lady’s Bedstraw Helictotrichon pubescens Downy Oat-Grass Leontodon hispidus Rough Hawkbit Linum catharticum (Purging) Fairy Flax Pilosella officinarum Mouse-ear Hawkweed Pimpinella saxifraga Burnet-saxifrage Polygala vulgaris (Common) Milkwort Primula veris Cowslip Sanguisorba minor Salad Burnet Thymus polytrichus Wild Thyme Trisetum flavescens Yellow Oat-Grass

Anacamptis pyramidalis Pyramidal Orchid Blackstonia perfoliata Yellow-Wort Campanula glomerata Clustered Bellflower Carlina vulgaris Carline Thistle Cirsium acaule Dwarf Thistle Clinopodium vulgare Wild Basil Dactylorhiza fuchsii Common Spotted-Orchid Erigeron acer Blue Fleabane Filipendula vulgaris Dropwort Genista tinctoria Dyer’s Greenweed Gentianella amarella Autumn Gentian Gymnadenia conopsea Fragrant Orchid Helianthemum nummularium Common Rock-rose Helictotrichon pratense Meadow Oat-Grass Hippocrepis comosa Horseshoe Vetch Hypericum montanum Pale St John’s-Wort Inula conyzae Ploughman’s-Spikenard Koeleria macrantha Crested Hair-Grass Leontodon saxatilis Lesser Hawkbit Ononis repens (Common) Restharrow

Ophrys apifera Bee Orchid Orchis mascula Early Purple-orchid Origanum vulgare (Wild) Marjoram Parnassia palustris Grass-of-Parnassus Phleum bertolonii Smaller Cat’s-tail Plantago media Hoary Plantain Platanthera chlorantha Greater Butterfly-orchid Rosa pimpinellifolia Burnet Rose Saxifraga granulata Meadow Saxifrage Scabiosa columbaria Small Scabious

Species in bold score 2

Table 5.4 Acid Grassland/Lowland Heathland - Habitat Character list

Scientific Name Common Name Agrostis canina Velvet Bent Agrostis capillaris Common Bent Anchusa arvensis Bugloss Blechnum spicant Hard Fern Calluna vulgaris Heather Campanula rotundifolia Harebell Carex nigra Common Sedge Carex pilulifera Pill Sedge Cerastium fontanum Common Mouse-ear Dactylorhiza maculata (White Sedge) Heath Spotted-Orchid Dactylorhiza maculata (White Sedge) Heath Spotted-Orchid ericetorum Deschampsia flexuosa Wavy Hair-grass Eriophorum angustifolium Common Cottongrass Galium saxatile Heath Bedstraw Gnaphalium uliginosum Marsh Cudweed Hydrocotyle vulgaris Marsh Pennywort Juncus bulbosus Bulbous Rush Lathyrus linifolius Bitter-vetch Myosotis discolor Changing Forget-Me-Not Myrica gale Bog Myrtle Pinguicula vulgaris Common Butterwort Potentilla erecta Tormentil Pteridium aquilinum Brake / Bracken Rumex acetosella Sheep Sorrel agg. Salix repens Creeping Willow Teucrium scorodonia Wood Sage Ulex europaeus (Common) Gorse Veronica officinalis Heath Speedwell

Aira caryophyllea Silver Hair-grass Aira praecox Early Hair-grass Calamagrostis canescens Purple Small-Reed Carex arenaria Sand Sedge Cerastium arvense Field Mouse-ear Danthonia decumbens Heath-Grass Empetrum nigrum Crowberry Empetrum nigrum nigrum Crowberry Erica cinerea Bell Heather Erica tetralix Cross-leaved Heath Erodium cicutarium Common Stork's-bill Filago minima Small Cudweed Filago vulgaris Common Cudweed Genista anglica Petty Whin Gnaphalium sylvaticum Heath Cudweed Hypericum pulchrum Slender St. John's-Wort Juncus squarrosus Heath Rush

Luzula multiflora Heath Wood-Rush Luzula multiflora congesta Heath Wood-Rush Luzula multiflora multiflora Heath Wood-Rush Molinia caerulea Purple Moor-Grass Myosotis ramosissima Early Forget-Me-Not Nardus stricta Mat-Grass Ornithopus perpusillus Bird's-Foot Plantago coronopus Buck's-Horn Plantain Polygala serpyllifolia Heath Milkwort Teesdalia nudicaulis Shepherd’s Cress Trifolium striatum Knotted Clover Ulex minor Dwarf Gorse Vaccinium myrtillus Bilberry Vicia lathyroides Spring Vetch Vulpia bromoides Squirrel-Tail Fescue Vulpia myuros Rat's-Tail Fescue

Species in bold score 2

6. Fen and Mire Habitats 6.1 A range of fen and mire habitats are present throughout the borough, supporting a rich diversity of aquatic and terrestrial communities. The following guidelines aim to underpin the selection of fen and mire sites and protect their identified biodiversity interest and value through Local Wildlife Site designation.

Lowland Raised Mires

Habitat Description

6.2 Lowland raised mires are peatlands that receive water exclusively by precipitation (as opposed to mires which are fed by surface waters or groundwater in addition to precipitation). In their natural state, raised mires are surrounded by an extensive fringe of lagg fen.

6.3 Lowland raised mire is created by an accumulation of dead plant material over many years. Under waterlogged conditions normal processes of decomposition are inhibited and the biotope evolves firstly as fen habitat, which is later colonised by Sphagnum resulting in the accumulation of dead bryophyte litter.

Habitat Status and Distribution

6.4 Intact lowland raised bogs are one of Europe's most threatened habitats. They once occurred throughout the UK in flat low-lying locations or basins. Since the start of the 19th Century the extent of primary, active lowland raised mire has decreased by 94%, to just 6000ha. Secondary mires are those mires that have been damaged due to peat extraction or other activities, but where the water table has stabilised. The surface vegetation of these mires is dominated by secondary growth of Sphagnum moss and cotton grass (Eriophorum spp). They can be active (i.e. laying down peat) or degraded (capable of restoration).

6.5 In Doncaster lowland raised mire is found on two sites, Thorne Moors and Hatfield Moors. These mires extend into the adjacent counties of the East Riding of Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire. The area is known as the Humberhead Peatlands or Levels and, historically, as the Hatfield Chase.

6.6 The Humberhead Peatlands have long been exploited for fuel, animal bedding and horticultural products, and this has resulted in the cutting, draining and stripping of all but a metre or two of peat. Additionally many of the outer fringes of the lowland raised mires, including much of Thorne Moors, have been extensively drained and improved for agriculture, resulting in the almost total obliteration of the ancient semi- natural soils and vegetation over much of the Humberhead levels, and

loss of the lagg fen zone. This drainage, stripping, and removal of edge habitats has affected the way in which water can be retained, so that in many cases the conditions necessary for peat to form are no longer present.

6.7 On Hatfield Moor, the total area of peat is calculated to be 1207 ha. Within the Doncaster Borough, the total area of peat soils on Thorne Moors is 1227 ha. This figure excludes Inkle Moor and Bell's Pond, as these are considered to be fen rather than mire areas, but does include the 74 ha of Will Pitts Wood. These peat soil habitats are considered to be degraded lowland raised mire, which, with appropriate restoration and the correct management, has the capacity to revert to active peat growth. There is an additional 406 ha of peat soils in the East Riding of Yorkshire and 257 ha in the North Lincolnshire parts of Thorne Moors. These represent degraded mire habitat. Some areas of warp land, wetlands and remnants of lagg fen survive around the edge of the moors.

6.8 Much of the remaining peatland of Thorne and Hatfield Moors has been notified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Protection Area (SPA) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and forms the Humberhead Peatlands National Nature Reserve (NNR). They qualify as Wetlands of International Importance under the terms of the Ramsar Convention. The area known as Bell's Pond is included within the SSSI, SPA and SAC boundary but is not included within the NNR

Mire Habitat Communities

6.9 The Humberhead Levels support a number of National Vegetation Classification communities; however these communities may not necessarily be representative of those that will become established if drainage is controlled through restoration. National Vegetation Classification mire communities in the Doncaster Borough are detailed in Table 6.137:

Local Habitat Character

6.10 Almost six thousand species of plants and animals, including 25 of Britain's rarest, live on lowland raised bogs. Characteristic plant species of Doncaster lowland mires at Thorne and Hatfield Moors include the Sphagnum mosses; Sphagnum palustre, S. fimbriatum, S. fallax (formerly S. recurvum), S. cuspidatum, S. capillifolium, S.subnitens, and also S. papillosum and S. squarrosum, although it is thought by local recorders that the latter two species are now confined to Thorne Moors. Another moss species, Sphagnum balticum was refound on the Moors in 1980. Characteristic vascular plants include heather (Calluna vulgaris), cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos), cross-

37 Rodwell, J.S. (1991), British Plant Communities (Volume 2) Mires and Heaths. Cambridge

leaved heath (Erica tetralix) and cotton grasses (Eriophorum vaginatum) and (Eriophorum angustifolium). Round-leaved sundew (Drosera rotundifolia) also occurs, as do bog rosemary (Andromeda polifolia) and bog myrtle (Myrica gale). The moors have supported dune helleborine (Epipactis dunensis), greater yellow rattle (Rhinanthus angustifolius), pale St John's-wort (Hypericum montanum), oblong-leaved sundew (Drosera intermedia), heath spotted orchid (Dactylorhiza maculata), white sedge (Carex curta), the moss (Drepanocladus lycopodoides) and the stonewort (Tolypella intricata).

6.11 Whorled water milfoil (Myriophyllum verticillatum), bog pondweed (Potamogeton polygonifolius), water violet (Hottonia palustris), alternate-flowered water milfoil (Myriophyllum alternflorum), long- stalked pondweed (Potamogeton praelongus), southern marsh and common-spotted orchids (Dactylorhiza praetermissa and D. fuchsii), narrow buckler fern (Dryopteris carthusiana) and alder buckthorn (Frangula alnus) are additional species listed as features of interest on Hatfield Moors Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Also on Thorne Moors are marsh cinquefoil (Potentilla palustris), grey clubrush (Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani), common reed (Phragmites australis), greater bladderwort (Utricularia vulgaris) and bulbous rush (Juncus bulbosus).

6.12 Where a lagg fen transition zone does exist this is dominated by common reed (Phragmites australis), with purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), common meadow rue (Thalictrum flavum), ragged robin (Lychnis flos-cuculi) and, rarely, marsh pea (Laythyrus palustris). Great fen sedge (Cladium mariscus), bulrush (Typha latifolia) and marsh pennywort (Hydrocotyle vulgaris) also occur. Fen violet (Viola persicifolia) was also recorded in the remnant fens on the western edge of Thorne.

6.13 Plants historically associated with bog pools on Thorne Moors, included bogbean (Menyanthes trifoliata), royal fern (Osmunda regalis), common spike-rush (Eleocharis palustris), bog sedge (Carex limosa), white beak sedge (Rhynospora alba) and rannoch rush (Scheuchzeria palustris). Bog asphodel (Narthecium ossifragum) and great and intermediate sundews (Drosera anglica and D. intermedia), crested buckler fern (Dryopteris cristata) and masterwort (Peucedanum palsutre) were also collected from the Moors. Butterwort (Pinguicula vulgaris), lesser bladderwort (Utricularia minor), fen violet (Viola persicifolia), stag's-horn clubmoss (Lycopodium clavatum) and bogmoss flapwort (Odontoschisma sphagni) have been recorded from the moors, but records for these species are rather old.

6.14 Lowland raised mires support a range of distinctive plants and animals and Doncaster’s Species Audit identifies 77 species of conservation

importance associated with Lowland Raised Mires 38 . Over seventy species of breeding bird are found, including and most notably nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus), as well as a healthy and diverse herptile population. Also present are water vole (Arvicola terrestris), brown hare (Lepus europaeus), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and red deer (Cervus elaphus).

38 Doncaster Local Biodiversity Action Plan, (2007), Doncaster Biodiversity Action Partnership, www.doncaster.gov.uk/biodiversity.

Table 6.1 - Identification of Mire Communities in Doncaster Borough National Vegetation Habitat NVC Classification Habit type types Communities Toothed sphagnum- Isolated fragments found in pools recurved sphagnum and 'lawns' on very wet and base- M2b (Sphagnum poor raw peats. cuspidatum/recurvum ) bog pool community An important coloniser typically Common cottongrass found as small stands on barer (Eriophorum M3 exposures of raw peat, often in angustifolium) bog depressions, erosion channels or pool community shallow peat cuttings. Typically found in shallow peats Dioecious sedge – that are kept wet by base-rich Common butterwort calcareous water. On Thorne M10 (Carex dioica - Moors this calcareous influence Pinguicula vulgaris) is likely to come from the mire limestone trackways. Now occurring in isolated Cross-leaved heath – fragments, this community once Papillose sphagnum occurred across an extensive (Erica tetralix - M18 mosaic of hummock and hollow Sphagnum topography on Thorne and papillosum) raised Hatfield moors and is a major and blanket mire component of active raised bogs. Mire Common upland blanket mire community, also found on Hair’s-tail cottongrass degraded raised bogs where it (Eriophorum replaces the M18 community. It M20 vaginatum) blanket occurs around the margins of and raised mire mires and in Doncaster is associated with the drier fringes of the remaining M18 mire. A component of the lag fen Blunt-flowered rush – community with abundant rushes Marsh thistle (Juncus M22 and sedges, which create a rank subnodulosus - sward on moist peats and mineral Cirsium palustre) fen soils around the edge of mires. Purple moor-grass – Doncaster’s mires are a close Tormentil (Molinia match to M25, although Thorne M25 caerulea-Potentilla Moors are classified M18. erecta) mire Typically found where moist, rich, Meadowsweet – Wild soils occur in ungrazed situations. angelica (Filipendula Found at the edge of mires and M27 ulmaria – Angelica typical of the silting margins of sylvestris) mire slow-flowing streams and along drains and ditches.

6.15 In excess of 50 Red Data Book (RDB) invertebrate species have been recorded from the Moors (Skidmore 2006). The Moors are notable as the only British localities for the Red Data Book (RDB1) ground beetle (Bembidion humerale) and the RDB1 mire pill beetle (Curimopsis nigrita), both of which are rare throughout Europe. Phaonia jaroschewskii, a RDB2 Muscid (known as the 'Hairy canary') has only been recorded in the UK from the Moors. In his recent work 'An Inventory of the Invertebrates of Thorne and Hatfield Moors' (Skidmore 2006), Peter Skidmore identified several distinct habitat categories for invertebrates recorded on the Moors.

6.16 This included; 225 peatland species (including 7 RDB species), 982 wetland species (including 7 RDB species), 50 brackish species (including 2 RDB species), 1428 Woodland, trees and saproxylic fauna (including 5 RDB species) and 353 Dry grassland and heathland species (including 2 RDB species).

Notable Sites & Features

6.17 Notable peculiarities of Doncaster’s lowland raised mire habitat include estuarine and saline wetlands. The richest brackish marsh on Hatfield Chase is located around Bell's pond on the western edge of Thorne Moors. An 1837 record of short-winged cone-head (Conocephalpus dorsalis) proved saline conditions prevailed before the commencement of warping, though were undoubtedly enhanced by this activity and the pumping of saline waters from Thorne colliery.

6.18 Lindholme Island in the middle of Hatfield Moors supports one of the very few remaining stands of old oak trees in the Humberhead Levels. The diversity of living (as opposed to fossil) saproxylic beetles is particularly high and Hatfield and Thorne combined have, possibly, the greatest diversity of these species for any site in Yorkshire recorded to date. Documentary reports from the 17th Century also suggest that existing strain of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) on Hatfield Moor is likely to have continuous genetic links with the original native stock.

6.19 It was heathland that originally gave Hatfield its name. Herb-rich grassland, 'with a strong calcareous element in its flora and fauna, a result of the limestone component in the underlying last glacial deposits' is a feature of the Lindholme moraine or Lindholme Island. The invertebrate fauna of dry grassland and heathland is decidedly richer at Hatfield Moors than at Thorne.

Fen

Habitat Description

6.20 Fens are peatland habitats that receive water and nutrients from the soil, from rock, from groundwater and from rainfall. Their high water table, which is often defined as just below sediment levels in the summer months, results in inhibited decomposition and the potential for peat formation. Fen habitats in lowland areas occur in a range of situations from open water margins to well-drained soils, influenced by localised valley mire, springs and flushes. Fens can be classified as ‘poor fens’ and ‘rich fens’ depending upon their nutrient and base status. The water of poor fens is derived from base-poor rock, has an acidic ph factor and in Doncaster is generally, although not exclusively associated with sandstone areas in the east of the borough. Rich fens are associated with mineral-enriched sources such as streams and springs emerging from the Magnesian limestone in the west of the Borough, as well as other eutrophic waters. The general distinction in ecology is noted, although for the purpose of these guidelines the two fen types have been combined for assessment.

Habitat Status and Distribution

6.21 The UK is believed to support a large proportion of the fens surviving within the European Union. Due to the low-lying and flat nature of the majority of northern and eastern Doncaster, natural meandering watercourses would once have been associated with extensive areas of fen, marsh and swamp. Large expanses of these habitat complexes outside of the Humberhead Peatlands are now rare in the intensively farmed lowland areas of Doncaster, and where they do occur they are usually small in size and isolated. Shirley Pool Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is possibly an example of as base- rich basin mire that supports great fen sedge growing around an open water body. Areas of fen are also to be found at Denaby Ings SSSI on the River Dearne and south of the River Don associated with large subsidence water bodies and wet woodlands. The area of tall reed fen at Potteric Carr SSSI is associated with a water-filled drain network and the former mine water pumping station for Markham Main Colliery.

Fen Habitat Communities

6.22 Doncaster's fen habitats exhibit affinity to a number of National Vegetation Classification communities as detailed in Table 6.2.

Table 6.2 - Identification of Fen Communities in Doncaster Borough

Habitat NVC Major National Vegetation Classification Type Types Communities Common reed – Hemp agrimony (Phragmites australis - S25 Eupatorium cannabinum) fen Common reed – Common nettle (Phragmites australis - S26 Urtica dioica) fen S28 Reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea ) fen Meadowsweet – Wild angelica (Filipendula ulmaria – M27 Angelica sylvestris) fen meadow Minor National Vegetation Classification

Communities Common reed (Phragmites australis) swamp and reed- S4 Fen beds S5 Reed sweet grass (Glyceria maxima) swamp S6 Great pond sedge (Carex riparia) swamp S8 Common club rush (Scirpus lacustris ssp.) swamp S10 Water horsetail (Equisetum fluviatile) swamp S12 Reedmace (Typha latifolia) swamp S13 Lesser reedmace (Typha angustifolia) swamp S14 Branched bur-reed (Sparganium erectum) swamp Common club rush – Grey clubrush (Scirpus lacustris S20 ssp.- Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani) swamp

Local Habitat Character

6.23 Doncaster's few remaining fen habitats are notable for the presence of greater tussock sedge (Carex paniculata), abundance of greater pond sedge (Carex riparia), tufted sedge (Carex elata), great fen sedge (Cladium mariscus), hemp agrimony (Eupatorium cannabinum), meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), blunt-flowered rush (Juncus subnodulosus), yellow loosestrife (Lysimachia vulgaris), purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), common skullcap (Scutellaria galericulata), sneezewort (Achillea ptarmica), marsh marigold (Caltha palustris) and purple smallreed (Calamagrostis canescens).

6.24 Fenny fields are ideal for feeding waders such as snipe (Gallinago gallinago), redshank (Tringa tetanus), Curlew (Numenius arquata), corncrake (Crex crex) and black-tailed godwit (Limosa limosa).

6.25 Doncaster’s Species Audit identifies 64 species of conservation importance associated with Streams, Springs, Fens, Flushes, Mires and Fenny Fields.39

Important Sites and Features

6.26 'Fenny fields' are a peculiarity of the northern Doncaster, Went Valley floodplain, where the waterlogged clay and heavy alluvial soils support marshy grasslands in which the proportion of broadleaved herbs, such as great burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis), meadow sweet (Filipendula ulmaria), meadow rue (Thalictrum flavum), sneezewort (Achillea ptarmica) is greater than that of the grasses. These fields have affinities to the M27 Filipendula ulmaria – Angelica sylvestris mire community, which is typically found where moist, reasonably-rich neutral soils occur in situations protected from grazing, as at the Went Ings Meadows Site of Special Scientific Interest, where such fields have traditionally been managed as hay meadows.

39 Doncaster Local Biodiversity Action Plan, (2007), Doncaster Biodiversity Action Partnership, www.doncaster.gov.uk/biodiversity.

Site Selection Criteria – Fen and Mires

6.27 Sites that meet one or more of the following criteria will be eligible for Local Wildlife Site designation.

LM1 Lowland raised mire sites greater than 0.1 ha that support at least 1 species from the following indicator list and a further 3 species from the ‘Lowland raised mire habitat character’ list (Table 6.3);

Erica tetralix – Cross-leaved heath Eriophorum angustifolium – Common cottongrass Vaccinium oxycoccos - Cranberry Drosera rotundifolia – Common sundew Narthecium ossifragum – Bog asphodel Sphagnum species Molinia caerulea – Purple moor grass Calamagrostis canescens – Purple small reed

Application

6.28 This criterion should be applied to sites exceeding the minimum area requirement for the site unit and supporting 1 lowland raised mire indicator species (listed above) as well as at least 3 species associated with the community type as listed in Table 6.3. The minimum area requirement is based upon knowledge of the existing resource and allows for the inclusion of associated habitats, which support mire development and ecology. Determination of the site boundary should consider hydrological function and relate to recognisable management units and to semi-natural landscape features.

Rationale

6.29 Doncaster’s lowland raised mires are not in pristine condition and therefore are unlikely to be detected using NVC community definitions. This criterion has therefore been adapted to use a series of key indicator species, rather than community assemblages, to avoid discounting valuable sites. This criterion targets the selection of a nationally rare habitat, present in Doncaster Borough. The rare and fragmented distribution of this habitat outside statutory sites necessitates appropriate protection for the site itself and habitat network supporting Natura 2000 sites and this is reflected in the small site area and inclusion of supporting habitats.

FE1 Stands of tall-herb fen and/or reedbed that are greater than 0.25ha in area and are predominantly comprised of one or more of the following NVC communities:

S4 Common reed (Phragmites australis) swamp and reed-bed. S25 Common reed – Hemp agrimony (Phragmites australis - Eupatorium cannabinum) tall-herb fen S26 Common reed – Common nettle (Phragmites australis - Urtica dioica) tall-herb fen S28 Reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) tall-herb fen M27 Meadowsweet – Wild angelica (Filipendula ulmaria - Angelica sylvestris) mire (Doncaster’s ‘Fenny Fields’)

Application

6.30 This criterion should be applied to sites supporting fen habitats that have been established for more than 5 years. Sites of this age are more likely to exhibit enhanced habitat structure (normally associated with larger sites), and may support a diverse faunal interest. The transient nature of the habitat should be taken into account in establishing an appropriate site boundary, which can include a combination of other fen, swamp, mire, grassland, scrub, wet woodland and open water communities. Site eligibility based upon minimum area, should however be based upon the area of fen habitat rather than that of the entire site.

Rationale

6.31 This criterion targets the selection of characteristic National Vegetation Classification habitat types that are locally and regionally rare. The minimum area requirement reflects the limited extent of local habitats exhibiting this character, which have suffered fragmentation and isolation. This criterion specifically targets the inclusion of local peculiarities.

FE2 Mixed fen sites greater than 0.25 ha scoring 23 or more from the ‘Mixed fen habitat character’ list (Table 6.4):

Application

6.32 This criterion should be applied to sites exceeding the minimum area requirement for the site unit, and supporting fen habitat (rich or poor) that exhibit a characteristic species assemblage and attain a diversity score above the qualification threshold. The site can comprise a combination of fen and associated habitats, and the boundary should relate to recognisable management units and to semi-natural landscape features.

Rationale

6.33 Fen sites have suffered fragmentation and degradation, largely as a result of changes in landuse and land management. Existing fen sites greater than 0.25ha exhibiting a typical and diverse fen species assemblage should be selected to help protect their integrity and continuity.

Table 6.3 Lowland Raised Mire – Habitat Character list

Scientific Name Common Name Achillea ptarmica Sneezewort Anagallis tenella Bog Pimpernel Carex nigra Common Sedge Drosera rotundifolia Round-Leaved Sundew Empetrum nigrum Crowberry Erica tetralix Cross-Leaved Heath Eriophorum angustifolium Common Cottongrass Eriophorum vaginatum Hare's-Tail Cottongrass Hydrocotyle vulgaris Marsh Pennywort Juncus bulbosus Bulbous Rush Juncus squarrosus Heath Rush Menyanthes trifoliata Bogbean Molinia caerulea Purple Moor-Grass Myrica gale Bog Myrtle Pedicularis palustris Marsh Lousewort Pedicularis sylvatica (Common) Lousewort Potamogeton polygonifolius Bog Pondweed Salix repens Creeping Willow Scutellaria minor Lesser Skullcap Sphagnum balticum Baltic Bog-Moss Sphagnum capillifolium Red Bog-moss Sphagnum recurvum a bog moss Tolypella intricata Tassel Stonewort Trichophorum cespitosum Deergrass Vaccinium oxycoccos Cranberry

Andromeda polifolia Bog-Rosemary Calamagrostis canescens Purple Small-Reed Carex curta White Sedge Dactylorhiza maculata Heath Spotted-Orchid ericetorum Osmunda regalis Royal Fern Rhinanthus angustifolius Greater Yellow-Rattle Utricularia australis Bladderwort

Species in bold score 2

Table 6.4 Mixed Fen – Habitat Character list

Scientific Name Common Name Achillea ptarmica Sneezewort Agrostis stolonifera Creeping Bent / Fiorin Angelica sylvestris Wild Angelica Bidens tripartita Trifid Bur-Marigold Caltha palustris Marsh Marigold Carex acutiformis Lesser Pond-Sedge Carex disticha Brown Sedge Carex otrubae False Fox-Sedge Dactylorhiza purpurella Northern Marsh Orchid Deschampsia caespitosa Tufted Hair Grass Dryopteris carthusiana Narrow Buckler Fern Dryopteris cristata Crested Buckler Fern Eleocharis palustris Common Spike-Rush Epilobium palustre Marsh Willowherb Equisetum palustre Marsh Horsetail Eupatorium cannabinum Hemp-agrimony Filipendula ulmaria Meadowsweet Galium palustre Marsh Bedstraw Galium uliginosum Fen Bedstraw Glyceria declinata Small Sweet-Grass (Reed Sweet-grass) Great Water Glyceria maxima Grass Glyceria notata Plicate Sweet-Grass Hydrocotyle vulgaris Marsh Pennywort Hypericum tetrapterum Square-stemmed St John's-wort Iris pseudacorus Yellow (Flag) Iris Isolepis setacea Bristle Club-Rush Juncus acutiflorus Sharp-flowered Rush Juncus articulatus Jointed Rush Juncus bufonius agg. Toad Rush Juncus bulbosus Bulbous Rush Juncus conglomeratus Compact Rush Juncus effusus Soft Rush Juncus inflexus Hard Rush Lotus pedunculatus Greater Bird's-foot Trefoil Lychnis flos-cuculi Ragged Robin Lycopus europaeus Gipsywort Lysimachia vulgaris Yellow Loosestrife Lythrum portula Water Purslane Lythrum salicaria Purple-loosestrife Mentha aquatica Water Mint Montia fontana Blinks Myosotis laxa Tufted Forget-Me-Not Myosotis scorpioides Water Forget-Me-Not Myosoton aquaticum Water Chickweed Myrrhis odorata Sweet Cicily Oenanthe crocata Hemlock Water-Dropwort Persicaria amphibia Amphibious Bistort Persicaria hydropiper Water-Pepper

Petasites hybridus Butterbur Phalaris arundinacea Reed Canary-Grass Phragmites australis Common Reed Pulicaria dysenterica Common Fleabane Ranunculus flammula Lesser Spearwort Ranunculus sceleratus Celery-Leaved Buttercup Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum Water-Cress Samolus valerandi Brookweed Scrophularia auriculata Water Figwort Scutellaria galericulata (Common) Skullcap Solanum dulcamara Bittersweet / Woody Nightshade Stachys palustris Marsh Woundwort Stellaria uliginosa Bog Stitchwort Typha latifolia (Bulrush) / Great Reedmace Valeriana officinalis Common Valerian Veronica beccabunga Brooklime Viola palustris Marsh Violet

Calamagrostis canescens Purple Small-reed Carex acuta Slender Tufted-Sedge Carex elata Tufted sedge Carex paniculata Greater Tussock-Sedge Carex pseudocyperus Cyperus Sedge Carex riparia Greater Pond-Sedge Carex rostrata Bottle Sedge Carex vulpina True Fox Sedge Cladium mariscus Great Fen-sedge Eleocharis acicularis Needle Spike-Rush Juncus subnodulosus Blunt-Flowered Rush Oenanthe fistulosa Tubular Water-Dropwort Oenanthe lachenalii Parsley Water-Dropwort Osmunda regalis Royal Fern Pinguicula vulgaris Common Butterwort Potentilla palustris Marsh Cinquefoil Ranunculus aquatilis Common Water-Crowfoot Ranunculus lingua Greater Spearwort Rumex hydrolapathum (Great) Water Dock Thalictrum flavum Common Meadow-rue Typha angustifolia Lesser Bulrush

Species in bold score 2

7. Standing Water Habitats

7.1 Standing waters include both natural and man-made systems, such as lakes, ponds, drains, and gravel pits. Whilst many of Doncaster’s standing water habitats appear quite natural, they owe their origin to activities such as mineral extraction, industrial processes, construction of canal, railway and road embankments, fishing, power generation, stock watering, and ornament. They include the sluggish waters of canals, features formerly part of flowing waters, i.e. oxbow lakes, and also drains where they dry out or have an intermittent flow or are reliant on pumping.

Habitat Description

7.2 Standing waters support a range of habitats including open water, marsh, swamp, and reedbed as defined below and associated ‘wet terrestrial’ vegetation communities such as wet grassland, fen and carr woodland, which are discussed elsewhere in this document. The drawdown zone below the high water line is also a specialist habitat and is of particular interests for invertebrates.

7.3 Open water habitats lie beyond the limits of swamp or emergent vegetation. They can contain submerged, free-floating or floating- leaved plants.

7.4 Drawdown zone and wet mud margins lie below the high water line, where fluctuating water levels can result in the establishment of specialised flora adapted to both inundation and drier conditions. These areas may also be exploited by invertebrates capable of fulfilling life stages within the drawdone zone in a relatively short period of time, or other fauna with specific habitat requirements. The wet mud habitats associated with drawdown zones can also be biodiverse, although their character will be entirely dependant upon their physical form, water quality, hydrological regime, i.e. frequency and duration of inundation and land use, i.e. cattle poached. 7.5 Marsh refers to vegetation occurring on mineral soils that have a water table close to the surface for most of the year. This type of habitat often occurs on almost level ground around ponds or on the edges of drains. Extensive areas may occur on river valley floodplains where winter water levels are at or near the surface of the ground. 7.6 Swamp habitat occurs where there are waterlogged conditions, where the water levels are above the level of the soil for most of the year. Swamps are often associated with fluctuating water bodies or watercourses and are frequently inundated on a seasonal cycle. Swamps are species poor in comparison to fen habitats, often being dominated by single species, such as branched bur-reed (Sparganium erectum), reed sweet-grass (Glyceria maxima), reedmace (Typha latifolia) or sedges.

7.7 Reedbeds are fen or swamp habitats dominated by stands of common reed (Phragmites australis), where the water table is at, or above ground level for most of the year. Reedbed habitats are often closely associated with areas of open water, ditches, floodplain mires, subsidence flashes and areas of wet grassland and carr woodland. Common reed is one of the commonest components of transition zones between land and water and this species can occur with a wide variety of other plants and in a range of situations. Reedbed or reed-swamp occur in subsidence wetlands at Denaby Ings Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Sprotbrough Flash SSSI and Potteric Carr SSSI.

Habitat Status and Distribution

7.8 Standing waters are often categorised according to their nutrient status and broadly fall within three main types; nutrient poor (oligotrophic) typically found in upland areas of northern and western Britain, nutrient-enriched (eutrophic) waters typical of lowland Britain, and ponds with intermediate nutrient levels (mesotrophic), which potentially have the highest biodiversity. Most of Doncaster's standing open water habitats are naturally rich in plant nutrients. These water bodies support large amounts of vegetation and a wide variety of animals. Some of the ponds and lakes created as a result of sand extraction in the eastern parts of the borough are perhaps the least enriched.

7.9 The UK HAP for Eutrophic Standing Water estimates 1785km2 of associated habitat, although excluding small pools, field ponds and brackish waters. Locally the extent of the resource is unknown, however the status of individual habitats tends to reflect the national picture. For the Borough’s standing water features this includes;

7.10 Field ponds – These have undergone a historic decline, although many small field ponds still exist in the Fishlake and Sykehouse area.

7.11 Mill ponds – Originally constructed to power water mills and now often in a state of abandonment with variable biodiversity value.

7.12 Mineral extraction waterbodies – These include sand and gravel pits, brickpits and clay pits and limestone quarries and vary a great deal in character.

7.13 Ditches and drains - The extensive ditch and drain network of the Humberhead Levels and Potteric and Loversall carrs are the remnants of the once widespread wetlands. They are often pumped, highly modified and generally in a 'juvenile' state of colonisation due to repeated interventions such as dredging, although some remain species-rich. Ditches and drains which hold water most of the year are often characteristic of open standing water habitats, since there is often

no, or only a very slight direction of flow as a result of pumping. Where dredging or maintenance is infrequent, some ditches and drains can become linear swamp habitats, supporting relict assemblages of a once more-widespread wetland habitat.

7.14 Oxbows – A feature of former river channel isolated from the main river, when a new course is created and the meander is cut-off. Oxbows subsequently become standing waters and can become perched relative to the river. The course of the Don contains a number of oxbows, now cut off from the river as a result of the significant erosion and lowering of the riverbed.

7.15 Subsidence pools and flashes - Some of the Boroughs most natural water bodies are those created as a result of mining subsidence in relatively recent times. These features often received very little intervention from man during their establishment period and, as a result, they support a diversity of semi-natural habitats across a wide transition zone. Where this lowering of ground levels has occurred in the river valleys, as at Sprotbrough, it has resulted in the creation of new lakes or 'flashes', wet woodlands, reedbeds and swamps

7.16 Ornamental ponds – Although artificial their design attributes can mimic natural features, and longevity within a parkland setting can support stable and biodiverse communities. In Doncaster this includes the landscaping of formal water gardens associated with large country houses, the creation of dams and mill ponds, and the defensive moats associated with historic manor houses and castles.

7.17 Canals - Canals provide a slow-flowing aquatic habitat which can support a variety of wildlife, particularly where these are not subject to heavy traffic and frequent maintenance and where they trend through open countryside. In many areas the establishment of a greater amount of aquatic, emergent and swamp vegetation is restricted as much of the canal system has been re-enforced with metal sheet-pile edging.

7.18 Fishing ponds - There has been a recent increase in the number of fishing ponds, although their relatively modern origin and functional design and use can have a limiting affect on their overall biodiversity potential.

7.19 Borrow pits - The construction of canal road and railway embankments has resulted in the creation of water-filled 'borrow' pits. Other unique features resulting from industrial processes include settling lagoons, which can harbour specialist and diverse plant communities.

7.20 Balancing ponds – Designed and engineered to hold and store flood waters and runoff often within developments, they can be subject to fluctuating water levels and contamination, but can naturalise and develop interest for flora and fauna.

7.21 Garden ponds – These play an important role in supporting local biodiversity and not exclusively common species, although this is entirely dependant upon their nature.

7.22 Standing water habitats form part of several statutory Nature Conservation sites at Shirley Pool Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) located on a paleochannel or Historic River Course, Potteric Carr SSSI, Sandall Beat Wood SSSI, Thorne Moors SSSI, SAC and SPA and Hatfield Moors SSSI, SAC and SPA.

Standing Water Habitat Communities

7.23 The Borough supports standing water habitats with affinities to the following NVC communities.

Table 7.1 - Identification of Standing Water Communities in Doncaster Borough

Habitat NVC National Vegetation Classification Type types Communities Habit Standing S1 Tufted sedge (Carex elata) swamp Swamp, marsh (and S2 Great fen sedge (Cladium mariscus) and reedbed slow Greater tussock sedge (Carex communities, S3 flowing) paniculata) typically found at waters Common reed (Phragmites australis) open water S4 swamp and reed-beds margins and in Reed sweet grass (Glyceria maxima) transition with S5 swamp fen habitats Greater pond sedge (Carex riparia) S6 swamp S7 Lesser pond sedge (Carex acutiformis) Common clubrush (Scirpus lacustris S8 ssp.) swamp Water horsetail (Equisetum fluviatile) S10 swamp S12 Reedmace (Typha latifolia) swamp Lesser bulrush (Typha angustifolia) S13 swamp Brached bur-reed (Sparganium S14 erectum) swamp S15 Sweet flag (Acorus calamus) Arrowhead (Sagittaria sagittifolia) S16 swamp S17 Hop sedge (Carex pseudocyperus) False fox sedge (Carex otrubae) S18 swamp Common spike rush (Eleocharis S19 palustris) swamp Common clubrush – Grey clubrush S20 (Scirpus lacustris ssp.-Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani) swamp S22 Floating sweet grass (Glyceria fluitans) S23 Other water margin vegetation Common reed – Hemp agrimony S25 (Phragmites australis – Eupatorium cannabinum) fen

Common reed – Common nettle S26 (Phragmites australis – Urtica dioica) fen S27 Bottle sedge (Carex rostrata) Reed canary grass (Phalaris S28 arundinacea) fen

Habitat NVC National Vegetation Classification type Habit types Communities

Common duckweed (Lemna gibba) A1 community Lesser duckweed (Lemna minor) A2 community Greater duckweed – Frogbit A3 (Spirodela polyrhiza – Hydrocharis morsus-ranae) Frogbit – Water soldier (Hydrocharis A4 morsus-ranae - Stratiotes aloides) community Hornwort (Ceratophyllum A5 demersum) community White water lily (Nymphaea alba) A7 community Yellow water lily (Nuphar lutea) A8 Standing community (and Broad leaved pondweed Typical of open A9 slow (Potamogeton natans) community water, canal, ditch flowing) Water smartweed (Polygonum and drain situations A10 Waters amphibium) Fennel leaved pondweed – Spiked water milfoil (Potamogeton A11 pectinatus - Myriophyllum spicatum) community A12 Reedmace (Typha latifolia) swamp Perfoliate pondweed – Alternate water milfoil (Potamogeton A13 perfoliatus - Myriophyllum alterniflorum) Canadian waterweed (Elodea A15 Canadensis) community Arrowhead (Sagittaria sagittifolia) A16 swamp A22 Shoreweed (Littorella uniflora)

7.24 The edges of marshes and swamps can also support M23 Juncus effusus/acutiflorus – Galium palustre rush pasture and M27 Filipendula ulmaria – Angelica sylvestris mire communities, some of which are included in the Fen and Mire Habitat Criteria.

Local Habitat Character

7.25 The marginal vegetation of standing waters includes sweet-grasses (Glyceria sp), Great water parsnip (Sium latifolium), water cress (Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum), fool's-water cress (Apium nodiflorum), brooklime (Veronica beccabunga), scattered rush), yellow iris (Iris pseudacorus) and branched bur-reed (Sparganium erectum) and these are often found on the narrow and often steep margins of lowland watercourses such as drains and ditches, and around the perimeter of steep-sided water bodies.

7.26 Submerged species include certain pondweeds (Potamogeton spp.) and stoneworts, floating plants including duckweed and water soldier (Stratiodes aloides), and floating-leaved plants such as species of water lily, water crowfoots and broad-leaved pondweed (Potamogeton natans).

7.27 Notable species include needle spike-rush (Eleocharis acicularis) and floating club-rush (Eleogiton fluitans), greater tussock sedge (Carex paniculata), cyperus sedge (Carex pseudocyperus), bottle sedge (Carex rostrata), water violet (Hottonia palustris), flowering rush (Butomus umbellatus), whorled water milfoil (Myriophyllum verticillatum), tubular water dropwort (Oenanthe fistulosa), lesser pondweed (Potamogeton pusillus), greater spearwort (Ranunculus lingua), mare's- tail (Hippuris vulgaris), fine-leaved water dropwort (Oenanthe aquatica), thread-leaved water crowfoot (Ranunculus trichophyllus) and water soldier (Stratiodes aloides). True fox sedge (Carex vulpina) was once recorded from a small field pond at Steward's Ings Lane in Fishlake; however this species is now thought to have become extinct at this location.

7.28 Standing water habitats are also important habitats for a range fauna including great crested newt (Triturus cristatus), grass snake (Natrix natrix), water vole (Arvicola terrestris), water shrew (Neomys fodiens), odonata and other invertebrates, snails and crustaceans. Coarse fish, in turn support birds such as heron (Ardea cinerea) and kingfisher (Alcedo atthis). Open water is important for many breeding and wintering water birds. Breeding species include mute swan (Cygnus olor), greylag goose (Anser anser), mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), great crested grebe (Podiceps cristatus), little grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis), black necked grebe (Podiceps nigrcollis), coot (Fulica atra), moorhen (Gallinula chloropus), common tern (Sterna hirundo), black- headed gull (Larus ridibundus) and cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo). Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna), teal (Anas crecca), wigeon (Anas penelope), shoveller (Anas clypeata), pochard (Aythya farina), golden eye (Bucephala clangula), Arctic tern (Sterna paradisaea), little egret (Egretta garzetta), goosander (Mergus merganser), and a range of diving and dabbling ducks are also reliant upon open water habitats for feeding and over winter roosting. Reedbeds in particular

can support distinctive breeding bird assemblages including Red Data Book birds such as marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus), bearded tit (Panurus biarmicus) and bittern (Botaurus stellaris) but the biodiversity of a reedbed tends to be greatly influenced by its area. Reedbeds are very important roosting sites for birds such as swallows (Hirundo rustica) and starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) and support diverse invertebrate assemblages.

7.29 Doncaster’s Species Audit identifies 152 species of conservation importance associated with Marshes and Swamps, Lakes and Ponds, Ditches and Drains.

Notable Sites and Features

7.30 Oligotrophic waters are locally rare and are associated predominantly with the lakes of former sand quarries and mineral workings in the east of the borough e.g. Hatfield and Blaxton.

7.31 The relict oxbows of Wheatley Park and Old Don Oxbows support some of the only remaining natural lengths of alder-lined riverbanks in the entire Lower Don catchment.

7.32 Spring-fed calcareous water bodies include those at Cusworth, Shirley Pool and Askern. Lime quarry water bodies e.g. those within the Don Gorge and Cadeby quarries are also of particular note, all being locally rare.

7.33 Numerous borrow-pits are associated with the canal system, including Croft Ings and Bramwith Lock Woods and Thorne Ashfields, are of particular interest.

7.34 Inland saline waters associated with the watercourses and flooded pits on the western edge of Thorne Moors (including Bell's Pond) are notable for the presence of brackish Reedbeds and salt-marsh plants. This peculiarity is also exhibited in the saline marshes at the foot of the Burgy banks (an industrial processing site), and at some local collieries, although the influence may be temporary.

Site Selection Criteria – Standing Water

7.35 Sites that meet one or more of the following criteria will be eligible for Local Wildlife Site designation.

SW1 Eutrophic and mesotrophic standing water, that scores 25 or more from the ‘Standing water habitat character’ list (Table 7.2).

Application

7.36 This criterion targets sites of unspecified size, but which exhibit a neutral to nutrient enriched water quality and attain the score specified for the corresponding Habitat Character list. The species listed do not have to be present throughout the entire waterbody. The species lists combine indicators of both local habitat typicality and quality, though do include rarities, which are highlighted in bold and contribute a double score. Site boundaries should relate to recognisable management units and to semi-natural landscape features. They should include areas of marginal vegetation fringing the waterbody, for which the associated species are included in the Habitat Character list, although bordering semi-natural habitats should be considered under the Mixed Habitats and Structural Mosaic criteria. For linear waterbodies species diversity should be assessed over a 30m stretch of habitat, although the site boundary may extend beyond the survey section to clear landmarks. This is particularly important within drain networks, where individual channels are subject to routine vegetation clearance, warranting the designation of a greater area of eligible habitat to support biodiverse regeneration.

Rationale

7.37 This criterion targets sites in terms of their botanical diversity and local habitat typicality. The species listed in the Habitat Character list are indicative of the vegetation found in good quality standing open water habitat. A minimum area requirement has not been assigned in reflection of the rarity of species rich standing water habitats, particularly small ponds.

SW2 Standing water that supports one of the known rare aquatic habitats in Doncaster, as listed below: a) Mesotrophic standing water b) Oligotrophic standing water c) 5 or more submerged native aquatic species d) Stable charophyte communities e) Inland brackish waters and saltmarsh f) Spring-fed calcareous waterbodies

Application

7.38 This criterion should be applied to all sites known to support the listed features, and again should include areas of marginal vegetation fringing the waterbody.

Rationale

7.39 These habitat attributes are considered locally rare and warrant protection. Biodiversity interest for selected features will also be entomological and therefore sites will be identified through nomination rather than Habitat Character lists.

Table 7.2 Standing Water – Habitat Character list

Scientific Name Common Name Agrostis stolonifera Creeping Bent / Fiorin Alisma plantago-aquatica Water-plantain Apium nodiflorum Fool's Water-Cress Berula erecta Lesser Water-Parsnip Callitriche stagnalis Common Water-Starwort Caltha palustris Marsh Marigold Carex acutiformis Lesser Pond-Sedge Carex otrubae False Fox-Sedge Chara Stonewort sp. Chara globularis Fragile Stonewort Chara hispida Bristly Stonewort Chara pedunculata Hedgehog Stonewort chara vulgaris agg. Common Stonewort Chara vulgaris longibracteata Common Stonewort Eleocharis palustris Common Spike-Rush Equisetum fluviatile Water Horsetail Equisetum palustre Marsh Horsetail Glyceria declinata Small Sweet-Grass Glyceria fluitans Floating Sweet-Grass (Reed Sweet-grass) Great Water Glyceria maxima Grass Glyceria notata Plicate Sweet-Grass Hydrocotyle vulgaris Marsh Pennywort Iris pseudacorus Yellow (Flag) Iris Isolepis setacea Bristle Club-Rush Juncus acutiflorus Sharp-flowered Rush Juncus articulatus Jointed Rush Juncus bufonius agg. Toad Rush Juncus bulbosus Bulbous Rush Juncus conglomeratus Compact Rush Juncus effusus Soft Rush Juncus inflexus Hard Rush Lemna minor Common Duckweed Lycopus europaeus Gipsywort Lysimachia vulgaris Yellow Loosestrife Lythrum portula Water Purslane Lythrum salicaria Purple-Loosestrife Mentha aquatica Water Mint Montia fontana Blinks Myosotis laxa Tufted Forget-Me-Not Myosotis scorpioides Water Forget-Me-Not Myosoton aquaticum Water Chickweed Myriophyllum spicatum Spiked Water-Milfoil Nuphar lutea Yellow Water-Lily Nymphaea alba White Water-Lily Oenanthe crocata Hemlock Water-Dropwort Persicaria amphibia Amphibious Bistort Persicaria hydropiper Water-Pepper Petasites hybridus Butterbur

Phalaris arundinacea Reed Canary-Grass Phragmites australis Common Reed Potamogeton berchtoldii Small Pondweed Potamogeton crispus Curled Pondweed Potamogeton natans Broad-Leaved Pondweed Potamogeton pectinatus Fennel Pondweed Potamogeton perfoliatus Perfoliate Pondweed Ranunculus flammula Lesser Spearwort Ranunculus peltatus Pond Water-Crowfoot Ranunculus sceleratus Celery-Leaved Buttercup Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum Water-Cress Rumex maritimus Golden Dock Samolus valerandi Brookweed Schoenoplectus lacustris Common Club-Rush Schoenoplectus Grey Club-Rush tabernaemontani Scrophularia auriculata Water Figwort Solanum dulcamara Bittersweet / Woody Nightshade Sparganium erectum Branched Bur-reed Typha latifolia (Bulrush) / Great Reedmace Veronica beccabunga Brooklime Veronica catenata Pink Water-Speedwell Viola palustris Marsh Violet

Baldellia ranunculoides Lesser Water-Plantain Butomus umbellatus Flowering Rush Callitriche platycarpa Various-Leaved Water-Starwort Carex acuta Slender Tufted-Sedge Carex elata Tufted Sedge Carex paniculata Greater Tussock-Sedge Carex pseudocyperus Cyperus Sedge Carex riparia Greater Pond-Sedge Carex rostrata Bottle Sedge Ceratophyllum demersum Rigid Hornwort Cladium mariscus Great Fen-sedge Eleocharis acicularis Needle Spike-Rush Eleogiton fluitans Floating Club-Rush Hippuris vulgaris Mare's-Tail Hottonia palustris Water-violet Hydrocharis morsus-ranae Frogbit Juncus subnodulosus Blunt-Flowered Rush Lemna gibba Fat Duckweed Lemna trisulca Ivy-Leaved Duckweed Menyanthes trifoliata Bogbean Myriophyllum verticillatum Whorled Water-Milfoil Oenanthe aquatica Fine-Leaved Water-Dropwort Oenanthe fistulosa Tubular Water-Dropwort Oenanthe lachenalii Parsley Water-Dropwort Potamogeton coloratus Fen Pondweed Potamogeton obtusifolius Blunt-Leaved Pondweed Potamogeton polygonifolius Bog Pondweed Potamogeton pusillus Lesser Pondweed

Potamogeton trichoides Hairlike Pondweed Ranunculus aquatilis Common Water-Crowfoot Ranunculus circinatus Fan-Leaved Water-Crowfoot Ranunculus lingua Greater Spearwort Ranunculus trichophyllus Thread-Leaved Water-Crowfoot Rumex hydrolapathum (Great) Water Dock Sagittaria sagittifolia Arrowhead Sium latifolium Greater water-parsnip Sparganium emersum Unbranched Bur-reed Typha angustifolia Lesser Bulrush Utricularia australis Bladderwort Utricularia minor Lesser Bladderwort Utricularia vulgaris Greater Bladderwort Utricularia vulgaris sens.lat. Greater Bladderwort Utricularia vulgaris sens.str. Greater Bladderwort

Species in bold score 2

8. Flowing Water Habitats

8.1 Natural rivers and flowing waters are dynamic, biodiverse systems, undergoing constant modification of course and form. They form vital wildlife corridors and their associated floodplain wetlands support a mosaic of aquatic habitats including; swift and slow flowing open waters, marshes, fen, damp grassland, wet woodland and swamp. They also exhibit characteristic physical features associated with hydrological processes, e.g. riffles and pools, which support a range of aquatic species, and exposed sediments (whether tidal or drawdown), shingle beds and sand bars, which are important for a number of invertebrates. These guidelines may also be applied to drains with a determinable flow.

8.2 Doncaster borough supports a number of biodiverse flowing water and associated habitats and the following guidelines aim to underpin the selection of sites supporting them protect their identified interest and value through Local Wildlife Site designation.

Habitat Description

8.3 Few rivers in the UK have not been physically modified by human intervention and Doncaster Borough does not have any unmodified rivers, and virtually all channels of main rivers have been altered in some way. Any fragments of natural river or floodplain wetlands which do survive are an important reservoir of our once much more widespread wetland biodiversity.

8.4 Navigational improvements such as weir creation, canal construction, channel widening, and straightening bends (creating oxbow lakes) have had a major effect on the course of the Lower Don. In more recent times, the construction of flood defence embankments on many of our rivers and larger streams have further severed any remaining natural floodplain wetlands from natural flood cycles.

Habitat Status and Distribution

Rivers and Canals

8.5 The River Don is the primary navigable waterway in the Doncaster Borough, augmented by the Stainforth and Keadby Canal that links with the Trent, and the New Junction Canal that links to the Aire and Calder Navigation. The low-lying River Don and its floodplain meanders through the Coal Measures on our western boundary before cutting through the Magnesian Limestone in a deep Gorge at Sprotbrough and then flowing through the flatlands of the Humberhead Levels towards the Ouse.

8.6 A short section of the River Dearne flows through the western tip of the Doncaster Borough. The Doncaster section of the Dearne is unusual in that the original meandering channel remains as a broad flowing watercourse, although the lowest section has been affected by subsidence. This subsidence has created a significant area of open water, fen, swamp and wet woodland at Denaby Ings Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

8.7 The southern half of the Borough drains into the Trent catchment via two main watercourses, the Torne and the Idle. The headwaters of the Torne drain the edge of the Magnesian Limestone before heading out towards the flat arable farmland, between Hatfield Moors SSSI and Blaxton Common. The Idle passes along a very short section of the Borough boundary at Bawtry at the very southeastern edge of Doncaster. This section of River and its associated washlands is important for waterfowl and other birdlife and is designated as the Idle Washlands SSSI.

Springs and Streams

8.8 Many of the springs and stream headwaters in the Doncaster Borough emerge from the edge of the Magnesian Limestone where the porous, fissured limestone meets underlying impervious clays and silts. The upper reaches of our limestone streams can be rocky or pebbly; however, with the exception of the Don Gorge, nowhere in the Doncaster Borough are gradients particularly steep. The gentle slopes create shallow valleys where sediments in the streams quickly gather to smother the underlying rocky substrate. Small stretches of relatively swift-flowing streams, fed by flushes and seepages can also be found on the sandy areas in the east of Doncaster, where the rainwater similarly percolates through the overlying sand and meets pockets of impervious clay. Drainage from the glacial sand ridge flows southwards to the Doncaster Carrs area and onwards into the Mother Drain, Division Drain, through Potteric Carr and into the River Torne. Natural drainage patterns of many of the boroughs smaller watercourses have been significantly altered by the

intervention of land drainage, much of which is discharged into the boroughs river systems via pumps.

Flowing Water Habitat Communities

8.9 The Borough supports flowing water habitats with affinities to the following National Vegetation Classification communities.

Table 8.1 - Identification of Flowing Water Communities in Doncaster Borough

Habitat NVC National Vegetation type Habit types Classification Communities

Flowing Common duckweed (Lemna A1 water gibba) community Lesser duckweed (Lemna A2 minor) community Rigid hornwort (Ceratophyllum A5 demersum) Soft hornwort (Ceratophyllum A6 submersum) Broad leaved pondweed Associated with A9 (Potamogeton natans) streams, canals and community slow flowing Fennel leaved pondweed – backwaters, and in Spiked water milfoil A11 controlled (Potamogeton pectinatus – watercourses such as Myriophyllum spicatum) the Ea Beck and the Fennel leaved pondweed Torne A12 (Potamogeton pectinatus) community Perfoliate pondweed A13 (Potamogeton perfoliatus) Canadian waterweed (Elodea A15 Canadensis) community Common water-starwort A16 (Callitriche stagnalis) community Common reed (Phragmites Emergent vegetation S4 australis) swamp and reed- associated with the beds landwards side canal Reed sweet-grass (Glyceria sheet piling and in S5 maxima) swamp stream edges and Greater pond sedge (Carex riverside washlands S6 riparia) swamp Common clubrush (Scirpus S8 lacustris ssp.) swamp

Reedmace (Typha latifolia) S12 swamp Branched bur-reed S14 (Sparganium erectum) swamp Arrowhead (Sagittaria S16 sagittifolia) swamp False fox sedge (Carex S18 otrubae). Common clubrush – Grey clubrush (Scirpus lacustris S20 ssp.- Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani) swamp S23 Other water margin vegetation Reed canary grass (Phalaris S28 arundinacea) fen

Local Habitat Character

8.10 Rivers and flowing waters support a diverse range of plants and animals including otter (Lutra lutra), water vole (Arvicola terrestris), water shrew (Neomys fodiens), and waterfowl such as grebes ( Podiceps spp.), swans (Cygnus spp.), coot (Fulica atra), moorhen ( Gallinula chloropus) and mallard (Anas platyrhynchos). Riverbanks provide nesting habitat for the elusive kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) and sand martins (Riparia riparia) will also burrow in sandy riverbanks. Grey wagtails (Motacilla cinerea) are typically seen bobbing up and down rivers, and reed buntings (Emberiza schoeniclus) are also frequent foragers. Overhanging banks are particularly good for mining bees to make their solitary nest sites.

8.11 Many sections of the main river have steep, and in places undercut, banks but where riverbanks slope more gently down to the water's edge narrow strips of swamp communities line the non-tidal river sections. Riffles and pools support aquatic species and exposed sediments and shingle bars are important for a range of invertebrates and are also important fish spawning sites. The Lower Don is tidal and as a result has a surprisingly large tidal range, which exposes steep mud banks at low tide. The dominant vegetation of these areas is S4 Phragmites australis

8.12 Notable plants of Doncaster lowland rivers and canals include great water parsnip (Sium latifolium), greater tussock sedge (Carex paniculata), unbranched bur-reed (Sparganium emersum) and perfoliate pondweed (Potamogeton perfoliatus).

8.13 Doncaster’s Species Audit identifies 106 species of conservation importance associated with Rivers, Canals, Oxbows, Major Streams

and Subsidence Flashes 40, and a further 64 associated with Minor Streams, Springs, Fens, Flushes, Mires and Fenny Fields.

Notable Sites and Features

8.14 The estuarine and tidal influence on wetland habitats downstream of Doncaster’s urban area, has resulted in a number of unusual species being spotted in the River Don and River Ouse, with porpoise, grey seal, common seal river and sea lamprey all being recorded.

8.15 Exposed estuarine mudbanks are also an unusual and important local habitat.

8.16 Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) are known to be spawning in a stretch of watercourse in Skellow, thought to be one of the only suitable spawning areas on a minor watercourse.

8.17 River features such as riffles downstream of St Mary’s bridge, earth cliffs along the Don at Hexthorpe, and riffles and runs in middle stretches of the Went, are locally significant. Man-made structures can also greatly enhance diversity when replicating a natural process, e.g. the cascades at Cusworth and Conisbrough Millpiece.

8.18 Limestone streams are of particular note locally, due to their biological and physical character, which supports a diversity of invertebrates and potential crustacean interest.

8.19 In the River Torne (at Tickhill) water crowfoot beds, which generally coincide with clean, calcareous waters, have been identified and are a local rarity.

40 Doncaster Local Biodiversity Action Plan, (2007), Doncaster Biodiversity Action Partnership, www.doncaster.gov.uk/biodiversity.

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Site Selection Criteria – Flowing Water

8.20 Sites that meet one or more of the following criteria will be eligible for Local Wildlife Site designation.

FW1 A stretch of river or smaller water course that supports 2 or more of the following a)-d):

a) regularly supports a high and/or near natural water quality as determined by Biological General Quality Assessment methodology used by the Environment Agency,

b) a suite of 3 or more features of natural river habitats, that should normally occur in the stretch of watercourse being evaluated from those listed below: i. Cascades ii. Islands iii. Oxbows iv. Pools v. Rapids vi. Riffle and run systems vii. River cliffs (earth or rock) viii. Exposed estuarine sand or mud banks ix. Shingle banks/gravel shoals x. Unmodified bank profiles xi. Unvegetated point bars xii. Vegetated point bars xiii. Accumulations of coarse woody debris

c) A score of 20 or more from the ‘Flowing water habitat character’ list (Table 8.2)

d) Significant water-crowfoot beds

Application

8.21 This criterion should be applied to all flowing water sites and associated wetland habitats of natural and artificial origin. There is no minimum area requirement, however the linear nature of flowing water habitats necessitates that assessments should be undertaken in sections between landmark features. Botanical diversity should be measured across a sample distance of 30m within the designated stretch.

Rationale

8.22 Rivers play a vital role in providing habitats, feeding grounds and wildlife corridors on a major scale, yet their semi-natural character and water quality has been eroded by external pressures. Flowing waters

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exhibiting the features listed above warrant protection. The features listed in b) can offer specific conditions for a variety of fauna and d) is of locally restricted distribution and associated with base-rich substrates and indicative of unpolluted water.

FW2 Any stream or spring originating from calcareous substrata in the Southern Magnesian Limestone Natural Area that supports a characteristic calcareous invertebrate fauna as verified by an invertebrate ecologist.

Application

8.23 This criterion should be applied to any stream or spring originating from the Southern Magnesian Limestone Natural Area, which supports a characteristic calcareous invertebrate assemblage. There is no minimum area requirement, and the site boundary should contain a distinct management unit between landmark features.

Rationale

8.24 It is difficult to specify a characteristic calcareous stream flora for Doncaster, although possible indicators include water-crowfoot. Therefore calcareous invertebrate fauna should be used as an indicator of appropriate and favourable condition, for this locally notable habitat.

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Table 8.2 Flowing water – Habitat Character list

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Petasites hybridus Butterbur Phalaris arundinacea Reed Canary-Grass Phragmites australis Common Reed Potamogeton berchtoldii Small Pondweed Potamogeton crispus Curled Pondweed Potamogeton natans Broad-Leaved Pondweed Potamogeton pectinatus Fennel Pondweed Potamogeton perfoliatus Perfoliate Pondweed Ranunculus flammula Lesser Spearwort Ranunculus peltatus Pond Water-Crowfoot Ranunculus sceleratus Celery-Leaved Buttercup Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum Water-Cress Rumex maritimus Golden Dock Samolus valerandi Brookweed Schoenoplectus lacustris Common Club-Rush Schoenoplectus Grey Club-Rush tabernaemontani Scrophularia auriculata Water Figwort Solanum dulcamara Bittersweet / Woody Nightshade Sparganium erectum Branched Bur-reed Typha latifolia (Bulrush) / Great Reedmace Veronica beccabunga Brooklime Veronica catenata Pink Water-Speedwell Viola palustris Marsh Violet

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Potamogeton pusillus Lesser Pondweed Potamogeton trichoides Hairlike Pondweed Ranunculus aquatilis Common Water-Crowfoot Ranunculus circinatus Fan-Leaved Water-Crowfoot Ranunculus lingua Greater Spearwort Ranunculus trichophyllus Thread-Leaved Water-Crowfoot Rumex hydrolapathum (Great) Water Dock Sagittaria sagittifolia Arrowhead Sium latifolium Greater water-parsnip Sparganium emersum Unbranched Bur-reed Typha angustifolia Lesser Bulrush Utricularia australis Bladderwort Utricularia minor Lesser Bladderwort Utricularia vulgaris Greater Bladderwort Utricularia vulgaris sens.lat. Greater Bladderwort Utricularia vulgaris sens.str. Greater Bladderwort

Species in bold score 2

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9. Mixed Habitats and Structural Mosaics

9.1 Wildlife sites rarely comprise vegetation of homogenous type, cover or structure, but exhibit variation within and between habitats at all scales. At a macro-scale habitat mosaics and structural features can significantly contribute to the overall biodiversity of an area, whilst at a micro-scale they can provide specific ecological requirements to support the different life stages and habits of a particular species. Mixed habitats and structural mosaics are therefore considered particularly important for invertebrate species and assemblages, as the structural heterogeneity they provide within a small area supports greater species-richness and opportunities for specialist and niche diversity.

9.2 The following guidelines aim to underpin the selection and designation of Local Wildlife Sites supporting habitats and features that are both individually and collectively of conservation value. The guidelines aim to target:

• Sites supporting habitats of substantive nature conservation value, which just fail to meet the selection criteria for their specific habitat components, yet which in-aggregate with other features present an enhanced array of ecological resources for biological communities. This includes areas adjoining, or in close proximity to other Local Wildlife Sites or statutory sites. • Sites that support varied macro-habitats and provide more structural variationthan individual habitats in isolation.

Habitat Description

9.3 A range of biotic and abiotic factors combine to influence the character of habitat mosaics, including geology, drainage, aspect, competition, disturbance and transitional development. Structural complexity within and between habitats is largely attributed to vegetation architecture, i.e. the form and arrangements of individual plants, habitats and their groupings, particularly those of different species growing together. Variations in substrate, landform, hydrology and the presence of non- living features, such as dead wood also provide structural diversity. A site exhibiting varied structural features, such as those listed in Table 9.1, is likely to support a diverse invertebrate fauna. Whilst the existence and composition of invertebrate assemblages is not assessed as part of the habitat-based criteria, their presence is incidental with such features.

9.4 Beyond individual habitats, variation between biotopes within the wider landscape can also support species movement and territorial expansion, and protect against isolation through enhanced habitat connectivity. This can help to ensure provision of the ecological

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requirements of a species, and sustain greater and healthier populations within individual communities. An appreciation and management of wildlife sites at this scale can help sustain linkages to the wider countryside to ensure the sites biodiversity thrives.

Table 9.1 - Features of structural importance for invertebrates41

Dead wood (wet and shady situations) Dead wood (dry and open situation) Old coppice stools Woodland rides Pollards Sap runs on trees River shingle Loose hard substrate (e.g. rubble, brick, stone) Springs, seepages or pools Temporary pools Ditches Scattered scrub Varied sward heights from short open turf Seasonally damp/wet areas Earthworks South facing slopes Steep slopes on banks Hummocky ground in old disused quarries Water margins (marginal mud, silt or sand) Coarse tussocky grassland

Notable Sites and Features

9.5 Mixed habitat and structural mosaics occur in a variety of semi-natural and artificial situations including post-industrial sites and will often comprise habitats representative of different stages of vegetation succession from bare ground to woodland and open water to marsh. Across Doncaster borough, important examples include semi-natural mosaics of wetland habitats, long-established woodlands and transitional grassland and scrub communities, as well as the designed expanses of parkland habitats and extensive networks of ditches and drains.

9.6 Mixed habitat and structural mosaics are evident along Doncaster’s disused railway lines, which commonly support woodland, hedgerow, scrub and grassland habitats and also often some sort of water feature such as natural ponds or man-made ditches or delves, along their linear form. Within Doncaster’s farmed landscape green corridors such

41 North Yorkshire SINC Panel, 2002, Guidelines for Site Selection

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as ditches, verges and hedgerows can provide vital refuge and resources, and this elevates their value and intrinsic importance.

9.7 In many cases the habitat mosaics that appear on brownfield sites are characteristic of early-successional vegetation communities, and can be arrested at these early development stages due to limiting environmental conditions and landuse pressures. However over an extended period the vegetation communities can succeed to more permanent communities. Across such areas a range of vegetation types and structures commonly co-exist.

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Site Selection Criteria – Mixed Habitats and Structural Mosaics

9.8 Sites that meet one or more of the following criteria will be eligible for Local Wildlife Site designation.

SM1 Sites of 0.5ha or more in size, or 50m if along a linear feature, where the predominant habitat is of borderline Local Wildlife Site quality and adjoins or lies within 500m of an existing Local Wildlife Site or statutory site.

Application

9.9 This criterion should be applied to all mixed habitat sites exceeding the minimum area requirement for the site unit, where the predominant habitat is of borderline Local Wildlife Site quality. Habitat quality is based upon attainment of a score within 20% of the qualifying threshold set for any of the various Habitat Character lists. The site should lie within 500m of an existing Local Wildlife Site or statutory type of any habitat type. The site boundary should relate to landscape features associated with the mosaic, which can include contributing artificial structures.

Rationale

9.10 This criterion targets sites that due to component habitat size or quality are ineligible for Local Wildlife Site designation on their own merit, yet whose substantive nature conservation value is elevated given their proximity to other Local Wildlife Sites and statutory sites. Such sites support connectivity within the wider landscape and provide features of interest, which attract and support the species ecology of neighbouring wildlife sites of recognised value.

SM2 Sites of 5ha or more in size that support a mosaic of the semi-natural habitats listed in Table 9.2, which collectively have a habitat mosaic score of 6 or more.

Application

9.11 This criterion should be applied to all sites exceeding the minimum area requirement for the site unit that support a mosaic of semi-natural habitats, including geological features such as rock faces, and therefore potentially incorporating Local Geological Sites. Two of the habitats present should in combination cover at least 25% of the total site area, to ensure adequate semi-natural habitat coverage, although the site may incorporate other artificial habitats. Individual habitats have been attributed a score based upon their local significance, considering status, distribution and quality. Site boundaries relate to

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landscape features associated with the mosaic, which can include contributing artificial structures.

Rationale

9.12 Sites supporting mixed semi-natural habitats and structural mosaics on this scale and exceeding the habitat mosaic score make a significant contribution to the borough’s biodiversity. Such sites play an important role in providing opportunity and resources to protect and conserve the biodiversity and character associated with their respective Natural Area. Large expanses of semi-natural and other habitats are particularly important for their faunal interest, especially where animal species require an extended territory to provide for and play-out different aspects of their life cycle.

Table 9.2 - Habitat Mosaics42

Habitat Score Neutral Grassland 4 points Calcareous Grassland 4 points Acid Grassland 4 points Wet Heath & Acid Grassland mosaic 4 points Dry Heath & Acid Grassland mosaic 3 points Scrub communities 2 points Open Water and Swamp (flowing or standing) 2 points

Marsh & Fen 2 points Semi-Natural Woodland 2 points Other habitat types covered by these 1 point guidelines

SM3 Sites supporting 10 or more species of bryophyte listed in Table 9.3

Application

9.13 This criterion should be applied to all sites that support at least 10 bryophyte species from those listed in Table 9.3. The site can include geological and artificial features and site boundaries should relate to habitat and landscape features associated with the mosaic.

Rationale

9.14 Bryophytes are non-vascular plants which grow in mats or cushions on rocks, soil, or as epiphytes on the trunks and leaves of trees, generally flourishing in moist conditions. Mosses, liverworts and hornworts

42 Adapted from: North Yorkshire SINC Panel, 2002, Guidelines for Site Selection

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provide structural diversity on a micro-scale, provide seed beds for larger plants, they capture and recycle soluble nutrients and bind the soil to keep it from eroding. Sphagnum mosses are particularly important bryophyte components of peatland and wetland communities. Sites supporting a variety of bryophytes are likely to be structurally diverse and exhibit a range of conditions and habitats that may similarly be favorable for the niche ecology of invertebrates.

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Table 9.3 Bryophyte Species list

Scientific Name Common Name Aulacomnium palustre Bog Groove-moss Blasia pusilla Brachythecium albicans Whitish Feather-moss Bryum pseudotriquetrum Bryum subapiculatum Calypogeia fissa Calypogeia muelleriana Campylopus flexuosus Campylopus introflexus Heath Star Moss Campylopus pyriformis Dwarf Swan-neck Moss Cephalozia bicuspidata Cephalozia connivens Forcipated Pincerwort Cephaloziella rubella Ceratodon purpureus Redshank Dicranella cerviculata Red-neck Forklet-moss Dicranella heteromalla Silky Forklet-moss Dicranum polysetum Dicranum scoparium Broom Fork-moss Diplophyllum albicans Fossombronia incurva Weedy Frillwort Gymnocolea inflata Hypnum jutlandicum Jungermannia gracillima Lepidozia reptans Lophocolea semiteres Southern Crestwort Lophozia excisa Mylia anomala Nardia scalaris Orthodontium Pleuridium subulatum Pleurozium schreberi Pohlia annotina Pale-fruited Thread-moss Pohlia camptotrachela Pohlia nutans Nodding Thread-moss Polytrichum commune Common Haircap Polytrichum formosum Bank Haircap Polytrichum juniperinum Juniper Haircap Polytrichum longisetum Slender Haircap Polytrichum piliferum Bristly Haircap Ptilidium ciliare Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus Springy Turf-moss Scleropodium purum Neat Feather-moss Sphagnum subnitens Thuidium tamariscinum Warnstorfia fluitans

Species in bold score 2

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10. Habitats of Artificial Substrates

10.1 The following guidelines aim to underpin the selection and designation of Local Wildlife Sites supporting distinct habitats of biodiversity interest and value associated with artificial substrates.

Habitat Description and Distribution

10.2 These guidelines relate to habitats that have evolved on artificial substrates resulting from human industrial processes, and are therefore restricted in distribution to brownfield sites. Disturbance associated with such sites can leave them susceptible to rapid succession and it is often the early stages of colonisation that are of the highest ecological value. A great range of physical and chemical characteristics can exist between artificial substrates within a single site, and this directly influences the resultant habitats. These variables include ph, composition and structure, all of which affect topography, drainage and thermal qualities. As a result sites with artificial substrates can exhibit community types existing together that are never normally found in the same location, such as the co-existence of saline and fresh water bodies. Sites may also exhibit low fertility and sparse vegetation cover, which enables plant species with a poor competitive ability to colonise or those with niche ecology. A range in substrate type and structure also enables animals to feed, breed, bask and shelter all within the same site.

Local Habitat Character

10.3 Plants found on artificial substrates often include the pioneer bryophytes and ephemeral species such as poppy’s, docks and mayweeds. A typical brownfield site with artificial substrates will be host to species such as common centaury (Centaurium erythraea), viper's- bugloss (Echium vulgare), foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), blue fleabane (Erigeron acer), herb robert (Geranium robertianum), soapwort (saponaria officinalis) and common cudweed (Filago vulgaris). Whilst many typical brownfield plants are considered ‘weeds’, they are extremely important for the biodiversity that relies upon them. Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum) is an excellent larder of seeds for small birds such as the goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis), and rosebay willowherb is the main foodplant of the elephant hawk moth (Deilephila elpenor), for example. Typical garden escapes include lupin (Lupinus spp), Canadian fleabane (Conyza Canadensis), bladder senna (Colutea arborescens), everlasting pea (Lathyrus latifolius) and lesser snapdragon (Misopates orontium).

10.4 Tolerant species of orchid can also often be found on brownfield sites, with the bee orchid (Ophrys apifera) being the flagship species of the wasteland. Other orchid species commonly found include the southern

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marsh orchid (Dactylorhiza praetermissa), early marsh orchid (D. incarnate) and common spotted orchid (D fushii). Orchids are suited to, and regularly found on brownfield sites because they produce great numbers of seed, which are carried long distances by the wind. A number of the orchid species are also able to tolerate levels of contamination, salinity and a lack of nutrients. Some species are also adapted to low light situations.

10.5 Spoil heaps of various substrates can bring a rare and uncharacteristic seed bank to a site and can also introduce different substrate types allowing unusual flora to grow. Spoil heaps could consist of pulverized fuel ash (PFA) such as the large re-vegetated heaps at Thorpe Marsh, limestone waste or heavy metal contaminants such as lead. Plants tolerant of metal contamination are known as metallophytes and local examples include the Blotched monkey flower (Mimulus luteus), a copper tolerant species and the lead tolerant spring sandwort (Minuartia verna) otherwise known as leadwort.

10.6 Habitats of artificial substrates are particularly important for invertebrates, as they often exhibit the structural diversity needed by such species at different stages of their life cycles, with foodplants, bare substrates, waterbodies and shelter all found within a typical site. Brownfield sites are often highly suitable for aculeate hymenoptera, with bare ground, a variety of substrates and spoil heaps that are suitable for burrowing. The sand tailed digger wasp (Cerceris arenaria) and a number of species of solitary bees, including the blue mason bee (Osmia coerulescens) and red mason bee (Osmia Rufa) and the uncommon (Osmia leaiana) are all recorded in the Doncaster borough. The UKBAP species Bombus subterraneus and Mycetophagus quadriguttatus are also recorded locally. Brownfield sites close to housing can often have a number of garden escapes amongst their flora and this increases the range of flowers available to nectar feeding invertebrates such as butterflies and bees.

10.7 Artificial substrates with sparse vegetation cover also presents ideal nesting habitat for ground nesting birds such as skylark (Alauda arvensis), black redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros), lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) and little ringed plover (Charadrius dubius). Typical avian visitors in search of feeding places include starling (Sturnus vulgaris), jackdaw (Corvus monedula) and pied wagtail (Motacilla alba), and such species can arrive in large numbers to a brownfield site if it represents the main feeding location within an urban area. Such sites can also provide important hunting ground for the more urban raptors, such as the kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) and sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus).

10.8 A variety of herptiles are also associated with artificial substrates. Sites exhibiting structural diversity offer shelter, e.g. amongst rubble, rabbit holes and broken drains, sunny basking spots, e.g. on old asphalt or concrete platforms, and water bodies for feeding and breeding, all within a small area.

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10.9 The Audit identifies 106 species associated with Post Industrial and Brownfield Land

Notable Sites and Features

10.10 The relatively hostile conditions associated with substrates of Doncaster’s colliery and coal-processing sites make them a prime candidate for supporting species and habitat communities of interest. The saline influence exhibited in some waterbodies can result in species and habitats occurring in unlikely situations and often as part of a diverse complex of communities.

10.11 Pilkington’s Burgy Banks is a site of amazing diversity that includes the lagoons for the settlement of liquid waste of the factory’s sheet glass production. Surveys have evidenced notable species such as great burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis), blue fleabane (Erigiron acer), darnel (Lolium temulentum), and birds such as hobby (Falco subuteo), grey partridge (Perdix perdix), little ringed plover (Charadrius dubius), and a 1984 record of a nightjar (Caprimulgus eurpaeus). The entomology associated with the Pilkington’s Burgy Banks is that of a variant saltmarsh community.

10.12 Interesting assemblages of sand dune plants and invertebrates are similarly associated with industrial sites, where foundry sand has been used in moulding and casting processes. Doncaster’s waste moulding sand can be ‘green’, in which case it is recyclable, or resin-coated, which is self binding and non-recyclable. At key sites such as those associated with the Old Don Oxbows around the Wheatley Park area, waste sands have been allowed to stand and colonise. Other known sites are at Austerfield and along Carr Hill, Balby, where one of the few operational sites is located, although no botanical or entomological data exists for the waste grounds of these industries.

10.13 Railway lines are often particularly diverse brownfield sites, often composed of a mixture of artificial substrates. Railway sidings and disused railways with cinder beds are largely gone within Doncaster Borough. Cinder beds may have been a feature at sites such as Hexthorpe sidings and plant works and possible near Potteric Carr at the euro-sidings, however these sites have been largely remediated and developed and limestone clinker is now a more common substrate of Doncaster’s railways, yards and sidings. Seed dispersal assisted by train movement during the line’s operational life, can often result in some unusual plants growing in unexpected locations on disused routes. Oxford ragwort (Senecio squalidas) is a typical railway line plant, along with the recently discovered York ragwort/groundsel (Senecio eboracensis).

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10.14 Part of the site interest associated with sewage works is undoubtedly a result of their inaccessibility and lack of public disturbance. Botanical interest is largely ephemeral and main interest is invertebrate and consequently ornithological abundance and diversity, although local bird survey effort has focused upon such inaccessible sites.

10.15 As with sewage works, interesting communities have been associated with local canal dredging sites, where again the botanical interest appears to be ephemeral and is closely related to operational management.

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Site Selection Criteria – Artificial Substrates

10.16 Sites that meet one or more of the following criteria will be eligible for Local Wildlife Site designation.

AS1 A former coal mine, spoil disposal, or coking/processing site of at least 0.25ha that scores 10 or more from the ‘Species of Artificial Substrates’ list (Table 10.1).

AS2 Settlement lagoons and waste sites of the glass processing industry of 0.25ha or more in size, scoring 10 or more from the ‘Species of Artificial Substrates’ list (Table 10.2).

AS3 Sites greater than 0.25ha where foundry sand and resins have been used in industrial moulding processes, and which score 10 or more from the ‘Species of Artificial Substrates’ list (Table 10.3).

Application

10.17 These criteria should be applied to relevant industrial sites of at least 0.25ha, attaining the associated species diversity and habitat typicality score. There should be a good distribution of the species present from the ‘Species of Artificial Substrates’ throughout the designated areas. Site boundaries can include a combination of habitats of semi-natural and artificial substrates and other man-made features, if the qualifying habitats are dispersed across large or mixed character sites.

Rationale

10.18 The Artificial Substrates criteria tend to focus on sites of selected historical industrial processes, where distinctive wildlife communities associated with specific industrial wastes are supported. These sites are diminishing in number and their habitats are inherently susceptible to transition, which could result in the loss of an element of their biodiversity interest, therefore they warrant protection.

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Table 10.1 Species of Artificial Substrates

Scientific Name Common Name Agrostis capillaris Common Bent Aira praecox Early Hair-Grass Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel Betula pendula Silver Birch Betula pubescens Downy Birch Blackstonia perfoliata Yellow-wort Calluna vulgaris Heather Carex arenaria Sand Sedge Centaurium erythraea Common Centaury Cotula coronopifolia Cytisus scoparius Broom Daucus carota Wild Carrot Deschampsia flexuosa Wavy Hair-Grass Erodium cicutarium agg Common Stork's-Bill Euphorbia helioscopia Sun Spurge Hieracium Hawkweed Hypericum humifusum Trailing St. John's-Wort Hypericum perforatum Perforate St. John's-Wort Juncus effusus Soft Rush Juncus gerardii Saltmarsh Rush Leucanthemum vulgare Oxeye Daisy Linaria vulgaris Common Toadflax Linum catharticum Fairy Flax Melilotus albus White Melilot Melilotus altissimus Tall Melilot Myosotis discolor Changing Forget-Me-Not Myosotis ramosissima Early Forget-Me-Not Ornithopus perpusillus Bird's-Foot Pilosella officinarum Mouse-Ear-Hawkweed Potentilla erecta Tormentil Reseda lutea Wild Mignonette Rhinanthus minor Yellow-Rattle Rumex acetosella acetosella Sheep's Sorrel Salix caprea Goat Willow Salix cinerea Grey Willow Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani Grey Club-Rush Silene uniflora Sea Campion Spergularia rubra Sand Spurrey Ulex europaeus Gorse Vulpia myuros Rat's-tail Fescue

Species in bold score 2

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Table 10.2 Species of Artificial Substrates

Scientific Name Common Name Anthyllis vulneraria Kidney Vetch Artemisia absinthium Wormwood Betula pendula Silver Birch Blackstonia perfoliata Yellow-wort Centaurium erythraea Common Centaury Cytisus scoparius Broom Dactylorhiza fuchsii Common Spotted-Orchid Dactylorhiza praetermissa Southern Marsh-Orchid Erigeron acer Blue Fleabane Hieracium Hawkweed Hypericum perforatum Perforate St. John's-Wort Inula conyzae Ploughman’s Spikenard Juncus inflexus Hard Rush Lepidium draba Hoary Cress Leucanthemum vulgare Oxeye Daisy Linaria vulgaris Common Toadflax Linum catharticum Fairy Flax Odontites vernus Red Bartsia Oenothera biennis Common Evening-Primrose Oenothera glazioviana Large-flowered Evening -Primrose Ononis repens Common Restharrow Picris echioides Bristly Oxtongue Pilosella aurantiaca Fox-and-Cubs Pilosella officinarum Mouse-Ear-Hawkweed Potentilla erecta Tormentil Puccinellia distans Reflexed Saltmarsh-grass Reseda lutea Wild Mignonette Rhinanthus minor Yellow-Rattle Salix caprea Goat Willow Salix cinerea Grey Willow Trifolium arvense Hare’s foot clover Ulex europaeus Gorse

Species in bold score 2

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Table 10.3 Species of Artificial Substrates

Scientific Name Common Name Agrostis capillaris Common Bent Aira caryophyllea Silver Hair-Grass Amsinckia micrantha Common Fiddleneck Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel Anchusa arvensis Bugloss Artemisia absinthium Wormwood Betula pendula Silver Birch Blackstonia perfoliata Yellow-wort Centaurium erythraea Common Centaury Cytisus scoparius Broom Erigeron acer Blue Fleabane Erodium cicutarium agg Common Stork's-Bill Festuca ovina agg. Sheep's Fescue agg. Filago minima Small Cudweed Filago vulgaris Common Cudweed Geranium molle Dove's-Foot Crane's-Bill Gnaphalium uliginosum Marsh Cudweed Hypericum perforatum Perforate St. John's-Wort Linaria vulgaris Common Toadflax Myosotis discolor Changing Forget-Me-Not Myosotis ramosissima Early Forget-Me-Not Oenothera biennis Common Evening-Primrose Oenothera fallax Intermediate Evening-Primrose Oenothera glazioviana Large-Flowered Evening-Primrose Ornithopus perpusillus Bird's-Foot Pilosella officinarum Mouse-Ear-Hawkweed Rhinanthus minor Yellow-Rattle Rumex acetosella acetosella Sheep's Sorrel Sedum acre Biting Stonecrop Verbascum thapsus Great Mullein Vulpia bromoides Squirrel-Tail Fescue Vulpia myuros Rat's-tail Fescue

Species in bold score 2

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11. Species Selection Guidelines

Background

11.1 It is envisaged that selection of sites on the basis of the habitats present will result in the protection of many different species. However, some sites of particular importance for certain species may not qualify for Local Site selection on the basis of the habitat alone. It is therefore necessary that a set of criteria are used to identify sites, within Doncaster, that are of importance for the conservation of species identified as of particular biodiversity interest.

Use of the Doncaster Biodiversity Audit

11.2 The Doncaster’s Species Audit43 has been a vital tool in the creation of the criteria documented here concerning species based Local Site selection. The audit was compiled, as part of the development of Doncaster’s Local Biodiversity Action Plan, to establish those species of conservation concern and local biodiversity interest in the Borough. These species were identified using a series of selection criteria agreed by Doncaster Biodiversity Action Partnership. Those criteria were as follows:

National Criteria • Species identified by the UK Biodiversity Action Plan as Priority Species or Species of Conservation Concern.

• Species that have been issued with a status indicating conservation concern (such as Red Data Book, Nationally Scarce or similar authoritative listing). These are based upon inventories published by the Joint Nature Conservancy Council (JNCC) or its predecessor, using available data, and are available on the JNCC website. (CR) Critically Endangered (EN) Endangered (VU) Vulnerable (NT) Near Threatened (DD) Data Deficient (NR) Nationally Rare (NS) Nationally Scarce (R) Red List (A) Amber List

Where the original lists were extensive, species identified in the lower threat categories e.g. Least Concern, were not included. It should be noted that assessments of conservation status are subject to constant review in light of changing knowledge base. Regional red data inventories were also used for some invertebrate groups.

• Species listed on an appendix or schedule to European or National wildlife legislation, e.g.

43 A Species Audit of Doncaster Borough (2007)

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(WCA) Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (CroW) The Countryside & Rights of Way Act 2000 (C.Regs) Conservation (Natural habitats, & c.) Regulations 1994

Regional Criteria • Species listed in the Yorkshire and Humber Biodiversity Audits (1999 & 2003) • English Nature Natural Area Priority Species

Local Criteria • Species considered to be locally endemic, for which reliable records exist. • Locally identified BAP indicators – As listed by Defra and based upon the England Biodiversity Strategy. • Species considered to be locally rare, distinctive, unusual or of value, as identified by the Partnership and consultees during the LBAPs production.

11.3 Doncaster’s Species Audit therefore represents a list of the species present within the borough that are considered worthy of Local Wildlife Site designation to protect their strongholds. The Audit is designed to be updated as changes are made in the lists on which it is based. This will ensure the continued relevance of the document in terms of highlighting species of conservation concern.

Data considerations

11.4 The development of the Audit document helped to highlight the gaps in our knowledge regarding the presence, absence and distribution, of species across the borough. These gaps stem from geographically incomplete survey data, variation in the record age, and therefore potential accuracy of records, and inconsistency between the numbers of records for different species groups. The primary source of data to be used in the site selection process will be records from the Doncaster Local Records Centre Recorder database.

Population size assessment

11.5 Several of the criteria used for species site selection use the term ‘significant’ in relation to population size when deciding if a site should be designated. The significance of a population on a particular site will be determined through appropriate consultation. This approach has been adopted for two reasons. Firstly many of the species present on the audit are from groups that require specialist knowledge for a full understanding of their biology. It is therefore appropriate to consult a specialist in this area when determining if a population present on a site is worthy of protection by Local Site designation. Secondly our

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knowledge of the distribution of species across the borough is incomplete. Over time we expect the quality and quantity of the information we hold on species present on the audit to increase. Some species may be more widespread than we currently believe, while others could be more restricted in their range. Climate change may also influence species distributions, increasing populations of some species while causing declines in others. As this happens our understanding of what represents a significant population may alter. This means that if thresholds are set now to define what are considered significant populations, then these levels may become inappropriate in the future. The use of appropriate consultation will overcome these problems by allowing our changing knowledge base to inform decisions regarding site selection.

11.6 Sites for consideration as species based Local Sites must be based on data recorded within the last five years, that has been provided by, or verified by, a reliable source and indicate a stable presence of the species concerned. Stability will be inferred when a species has been recorded at a site in at least two of the previous five years.

11.7 For a site to qualify the population present must be of a significant size, but only in one of the two records. The other record can simply just indicate that the species is still present. This is as certain species require an intensive survey effort that would be impractical to achieve twice in every five year period. If it is deemed that the population on a site has declined between subsequent survey visits, but that this is due to inappropriate management, then this will not be used as a reason for failing to designate a site. Instead the site should be adopted and appropriate management implemented to try and encourage the species, in accordance with Defra guidelines. Equally a site will not be de-designated simply due to lack of data. Instead sites will only be assessed for de-designation if sufficient survey effort has established that the species is no longer present.

11.8 Appropriate consultation will involve discussions with the relevant county recorder for a species group or a local representative from Natural England. Once a site has put forward for designation it must be put before the Partnership and approved, before the site can formally adopted.

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12. Site Selection Criteria - Multiple Species Groups

12.1 Sites that meet the following criteria will be eligible for Local Site designation.

MS1 Any site that supports a significant population of a species included on one of the following lists within the Doncaster Biodiversity Audit:

Amphibians Birds Reptiles Mammals (not including bats) Ants Bees Wasps Beetles Butterflies Crickets/Grasshoppers Moths Fungi Fish Crustaceans and Molluscs Vascular Plants Mosses and Liverworts Lichens Stoneworts

Application

12.2 The presence of a species on the site must be verified in at least two of the preceding five years. Appropriate consultation will be under taken to determine whether the site contains a significant population either in terms of the number of individuals present or in terms of the sites contribution to the distribution of the species across the borough. For species where population size is difficult to assess, such as many invertebrates, then records that simply indicate the presence of a species on site will be sufficient to allow the site to be designated. The boundaries of the site will be determined by considering the ecological requirements of the species concerned alongside the size of the relevant habitat management units.

Rationale

12.3 The species present on Doncaster’s Species Audit were selected on the basis of national, regional and local conservation priorities. Sites that support significant populations of these species therefore warrant protection.

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MS2 Any site that supports a good population of a species that has undergone a significant decline, documented at a national, regional or local level.

Application

12.4 This criterion is designed to apply to all species groups and to species not present on the Audit. It will be used to identify sites that are important for declining species. The decline must be documented, either nationally regionally or locally.

Rationale

12.4 Species undergoing significant declines are at risk of extinction unless action is taken now to help address the problems they face. Identifying and protecting strongholds for these species is an important aspect of species conservation. For example, many farmland birds have undergone serious declines over the last 30 years as a result of changing agricultural practises 44 The protection of sites that support a range of farmland species is therefore important.

13. Site Selection Criteria - Mammals

M1 (a) Any single hibernation roost that regularly supports 2 or more species of bat and/or 15 or more individuals. (b) Any series of smaller bat hibernation roosts that while individually would not qualify under criteria M1(a) are together considered of significance. (c) Any roost that regularly supports three or more species of bat. (d) Any breeding roost that regularly supports a significant population of a bat species.

Application

13.1 These criteria will be used to select sites that support significant populations of bats within Doncaster. The criteria will not be applied to industrial buildings, agricultural buildings or domestic dwellings. Other man made structures such as bridges, tunnels and mine shafts will be eligible for designation, as well as natural features such as trees and caves. Foraging areas, which have been identified by surveys as supporting the roost site, will also be eligible for inclusion within the designated area. Sites considered for inclusion under criterion M1(b) will be assessed through appropriate consultation.

44 The Second Silent Spring (1999) Krebs et al. Nature. Vol 400:611-612.

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Rationale

13.2 All species of bat found within the UK are protected by legislation (Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations). This protection has stemmed from the serious declines that these species have undergone in the last 50 years. Bats have a slow reproductive rate, females having only one offspring in a year, and hence are vulnerable to population crashes if breeding colonies are destroyed or damaged. An ideal breeding roost may be used repeated over many years and hence is appropriate for designation as a conservation site. Hibernation roosts can also be used repeatedly over many years. A good roost has to provide a variety of environmental conditions and be suitable in a range of prevailing weather conditions. Roosts that support large numbers of bats or a variety of species are therefore particularly important. In addition, sites with a series of smaller roosts, that may provide differing environmental conditions, are equally important.

Table 13.1 Numbers of bats that indicate a significant breeding roost in Doncaster.

Bat Species Significant roost Barbastella barbastellus 30 or more animals Myotis brandtii 30 or more animals Myotis daubentonii 30 or more animals Myotis mystacinus 30 or more animals Myotis nattereri 30 or more animals Nyctalus leisleri 30 or more animals Nyctalus noctula 30 or more animals Pipistrellus pipistrellus 100 or more animals Pipistrellus pygmaeus 100 or more animals Plecotus auritus 30 or more animals

M2 Any site known to support an otter breeding holt.

Application

13.3 This criterion will be used to designate sections of watercourse and surrounding habitat that show evidence of use by breeding otter.

Rationale

13.4 Protection of otter breeding sites is important to ensure conservation of the species.

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14. Site Selection Criteria - Birds

B1 Any cliff, crag or sand bank that supports a breeding bird species present on the Doncaster Biodiversity Audit.

Application

14.1 This criterion will be used to identify any geological features, such as cliff faces resulting from minerals extraction works, which support a breeding bird species present on the Audit. The criterion may result in the identification of areas within active minerals sites. Due to the industrial nature of these sites a specific cliff face may be altered over time. It is envisaged that designation will be used as a tool to highlight the importance of the habitat for use by birds and ensure encourage its maintenance within a site as a whole rather than for the protection of one very specific area. It is also envisaged that this criterion will be used to protect sites important for breeding sand martins.

Rationale

14.2 Cliff faces provide important nesting habitat for bird species such as peregrine falcon. Highlighting the importance of the cliff habitat for such birds will be used to help guide quarry restoration as well as day to day management of these important sites.

B2 Wet meadows that support at least 3 species or 6 pairs of breeding wader.

Application

14.3 This criterion will be used to protect wet areas that are important for breeding wader species.

Rationale

14.4 Wet meadows can provide important habitat for a variety of wading birds.

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15. Site Selection Criteria - Reptiles

R1 Any site that regularly supports a population of two or more reptile species.

Rationale

15.1 Four species of reptile are recorded in Doncaster: Grass Snake - Natrix natrix Adder - Vipus berus Common Lizard - Lacerta vivipara Slow Worm - Anguis fragilis

15.2 The presence of two or more reptile species is considered a good reptile site.

16. Site Selection Criteria - Amphibians

A1 Any site that regularly supports four or more species of amphibian native to Doncaster.

Rationale

16.1 Five species of amphibian are known to be present within Doncaster. A site containing four of these five therefore represents a good amphibian assemblage.

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17. Geological Selection Guidelines

Backgound

17.1 An area’s geodiversity can be considered against a number of natural features including its geology, landform, soils and processes creating the features evident today. Geodiversity features can encompass: • Important sites or natural features worthy of designation or protection for the quality of the earth heritage feature. • Sites or natural features where a representative example of an earth heritage feature can be seen. • Sites or features currently used for interpreting earth science. • Areas or features with a potential for geo-tourism and education. • The whereabouts and nature of past and present mineral products and workings. • How earth science can influence the shaping of the man made environment, urban landscape, and architecture. • Hazard management. • Inter-relationships and inter-dependence between other areas of interest such as biodiversity, archaeology and history.

The Geological Selection Guidelines

17.2 In accordance with Defra guidance45 the resurvey criteria used in the 2007 resurvey was the (RIGS) Regionally Important Geological / Geomorphological Sites criteria, which incorporates the ‘Geological Conservation Review’ (GCR) criteria developed for identifying nationally important sites. The overarching emphasis of the GCR and RIGS criteria is the value of the site for education, research and aesthetics.

G1 Local Geological Sites, including RIGS, are currently selected on the local and regional basis using four nationally agreed criteria (1990): • The value of the site for educational purposes • The value of the site for study for both professional and amateur earth scientists • The historical value of the site in terms of important advances in earth science knowledge, events or human exploitation • The aesthetic value of the site in the landscape, particularly in relation to promoting public awareness and appreciation of earth sciences

The UK RIGS site assessment form incorporates all the above criteria.

45 Local Sites: Guidance on their Identification, Selection and Management

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18. Panel Membership and consultation contributors

Table 18.1

Geodiversity Panel and contributors Name Organisation Alison Collins Yorkshire Water Anthony Cooper British Geological Society Ben McCarthy Natural England Bob Binstead Darrington Quarries Ltd Stephen Butler Doncaster MBC Dan Walker Lafarge Aggregates Ltd Glynn Guthrie Waste Recycling Group (Darrington) Colin Howes Doncaster MBC Ian Pearson Marshalls Ltd Joanne Naylor Watchley Crags Dan O’Brien Hansons Aggregates Keith Lewis Hurst Plantation Keith Pell Barnsley MBC Peter Lamb Doncaster MBC Melissa Massarella Doncaster MBC Rachel Overfield Rotherham MBC Scott Engering South Yorkshire RIGS Group Ian Johnson SYMAS (South Yorkshire Mining Advisory Service) Tim Kohler Natural England Chris Tinker Doncaster MBC Elaine Ward Doncaster MBC Cllr Yvonne Woodcock Doncaster MBC Mick Oliver Doncaster Naturalists’ Society Arthur Doyle Doncaster MBC Rob Doody Cemex UK John Edward Dix Cemex UK

Biodiversity Panel and contributors

Name Organisation Melissa Massarella Doncaster MBC Jonathan Hart-woods British Waterways Geoffrey Wilmore BSBI & Independent ecological consultant Louise Hill Doncaster Naturalists’ Society & Independent ecological consultant Rachel Hoskin Doncaster MBC Roy Sykes Doncaster MBC Tim Kohler Natural England Arthur Doyle Doncaster MBC Richard Mckone Doncaster MBC Martin Nowacki Doncaster MBC

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Robert Masheder Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Katie Thorn Forestry Commission Colin Howes Doncaster MBC Sue Clifton RSPB Doncaster Paul Beetham Doncaster MBC Steve Judge Grantham Brundell & Farran (IDB) Pip Seccombe Doncaster Naturalists’ Society David Patrick Grantham Brundell & Farran (IDB) Steve Butler Doncaster MBC Helen McCluskie Doncaster MBC Malcolm Beal Doncaster MBC Donna Halliday Doncaster MBC Ben McCarthy Yorkshire and Humber Biodiversity Forum Bob Marsh Doncaster MBC Chris Grice Forestry Commission Rachel Brady JBA consulting (IDB) Amanda Best Environment Agency Dr Nicola Rivers South Yorkshire Bat Group Colin Wall Doncaster Naturalists’ Society Helen Kirk Doncaster Naturalists’ Society Robert Goodison Natural England Dr Michael Archer Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union Rev. Martin Greenland Doncaster Naturalists’ Society Harry Beaumont Butterfly Conservation Kevin Gilfedder Mycology & Lichenology Tom Blockeel Mycology & Lichenology Stuart Foster Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union Roy Bedford Butterfly Conservation Chris Yeates Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union

SPD consultation contributors - Dec 2009

Name Organisation Sarah Burgess CABE James Reilly Composite Energy Mr I McDonald Doncaster Naturalists’ Society Mr Ian Smith English Heritage Mr Martin Gebbett Government Office Yorkshire and Humber Andrew Rose Harworth Estates Su Curtis Lafarge Aggregates Ltd Mr Martin Elliot Local Government Yorkshire and Humber Mr John Wilson Ministry Of Defense Jennifer Grantham Natural England Mr D J Stothard Network Rail (Mining Team) David Thompson Peel Mr S Merriman Rossington Parish Council Ken Dorning Sheffield Area Geology Trust Valerie Greaves Sheffield City Council

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Dr Nicky Rivers Sheffield Wildlife Trust David Berry The Coal Authority Rose Freeman Theatres Trust Mr Michael Townsend Thorpe Marsh (YWT) Miss V Moulton Walker Morris Mr John Pilgrim Yorkshire Forward Sara Robin Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Louise Hill Doncaster Naturalists’ Society & Independent ecological consultant Mr John Bradley Landowner Mr Trevor Lunness Denaby Ings Nature Reserve

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