South East Lincolnshire Local Plan Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report Topic Paper 2 – Biodiversity, Geodiversity and Green Infrastructure Final Version - October 2016 Foreword This topic paper forms part of the evidence base supporting the South East Lincolnshire Local Plan Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report. An overview of the Sustainability Appraisal/SEA process can be found within the main report. Detailed information for each of the Sustainability Appraisal/SEA stages has been separated into topic papers for a series of environmental and sustainability themes. This has been done to assist the reader in accessing information for selected themes without the need to read the entire volume of information. The topics selected for inclusion within the South East Lincolnshire Local Plan Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report are listed below. All are available as individual topic papers. 1. Air Quality 2. Biodiversity, Geodiversity and Green Infrastructure 3. Climate change (adaptation and mitigation) 4. Flood Risk 5. Community, Health and Wellbeing 6. Economy and Employment 7. Historic Environment 8. Housing 9. Land and Waste 10. Landscape 11. Transport 12. Water Contents Page 1.1 Introduction 1 1.2 Review of relevant policies, plans and programmes (Task A1) 1 1.3 Baseline information (Task A2) 13 1.4 Key environmental and sustainability issues (Task A3) 40 1.5 Sustainability appraisal framework 41 a) Proposed environmental and sustainability appraisal objectives b) Proposed decision aiding questions c) Potential environmental and sustainability indicators 1.6 Cross cutting matters 42 Figures Figure 1: The Wash Ramsar, SPA and SAC Designations 15 Tables Table 1: List of Policies, Plans and Programmes reviewed for air quality 2 Table 2: Area of international designations in South East Lincolnshire 15 Table 3: International, European and National designated sites in (and 19 within close proximity of) South East Lincolnshire Table 4: Designations of Local Importance in South East Lincolnshire 30 Table 5: UK Priority Habitats in South East Lincolnshire 32 Table 6: UK Priority Species in South in South East Lincolnshire 32 Table 7: Non statutory sites within 15km of South East Lincolnshire 33 boundary Table 8: Public Open Space Sites in South East Lincolnshire 39 Table 9: Key environmental and sustainability issues for Biodiversity, 40 Geodiversity and Green Infrastructure 1.1 Introduction 1.1.1 Biodiversity is the term given to the diversity of life on Earth and this includes the plant and animal species that make up our wildlife and the habitats in which they live. As well as being important in its own right, we value biodiversity because of the ecosystem services it provides, such as flood defence and clean water; and the contribution that biodiversity makes to well- being and sense of place. Geodiversity is the variety of rocks, minerals, fossils, soils and landscapes, together with the natural processes which form them. 1.1.2 Green Infrastructure is a network of multi-functional green space, urban and rural, which is capable of delivering a wide range of environmental and quality of life benefits for local communities. It should be designed and managed as a multifunctional resource capable of delivering a wide range of environmental and quality-of-life benefits for local communities. Green Infrastructure includes allotments, open spaces, parks, playing fields, waterways, woodlands and private gardens. Green Infrastructure can provide many social, economic and environmental benefits close to where people live and work including: places for outdoor relaxation and play which can contribute to tourist development; space and habitat for wildlife with access to nature for people; climate change mitigation and adaptation - for example flood alleviation and tree planting helping to cool urban ‘heat islands’; environmental education; sustainable transport corridors; local food production - in allotments, gardens and through agriculture; and improved health and well-being – lowering stress levels and providing opportunities for exercise 1.2 Review of relevant policies, plans and programmes and sustainability objectives (Task A1) 1.2.1 One of the requirements of the sustainability appraisal process is to take account of any other policies, plans and programmes and sustainability objectives which may be relevant to the Local Plan. Table 1 below lists the documents that have been reviewed in relation to biodiversity, geodiversity and green infrastructure. It is important to note that the review is in no way an exhaustive list and does not attempt to identify in detail the content of every plan or programme. Following Table 1, a brief summary is given of each document together with any relevant objectives/requirements and how these might be considered within the development of the Local Plan. 1 Table 1: List of Policies, Plans and Programmes reviewed for biodiversity, geodiversity and green infrastructure International Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (1979) Ramsar Convention on the Wetlands of International Importance (1971) European EC Council Directive 79/409/EEC Conservation of Wild Birds (1979) EC Council Directive 92/43/EEC Conservation of Natural Habitats, Floral and Fauna (1992) European Site Conservation Objective for The Wash and North Norfolk Coast Special Area of Conservation and The Wash SPA National National Planning Policy Framework (2012) Biodiversity 2020: A Strategy for England’s wildlife and ecosystem services (2011) The Geodiversity Charter for England (2014) UK Geodiversity Action Plan: A framework for enhancing the importance and role of geodiversity Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 Natural England National Character Area: The Fens White Paper: “The Natural Choice – securing the value of nature” 50 Year Vision for Wetlands Local Lincolnshire County Council Natural Environment Strategy (2012-2018) Lincolnshire Biodiversity Action Plan (3rd edition 2011-2020) Lincolnshire Geodiversity Action Plan (1st edition, 2010) The Wash Biodiversity Action Plan (2011) Boston Borough Council Allotment Strategy 2012-17 Policy/Plan/Programme Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats Level International Date 1979 Summary The Bern Convention is a binding international legal instrument covering most of the natural heritage of the European continent and extending to some States of Africa. It was the first international treaty to protect both species and habitats. The Convention identified a range of species for special protection and led to the identification of protected habitats, known now as Natura 2000. Key Objectives Key aims: conserve and protect wild flora and fauna and their natural habitats promote co-operation between states monitor and control endangered and vulnerable species Implications for the Local Plan 2 Need to consider the impact of policies and proposals on designated sites. Policy/Plan/Programme Ramsar Convention on the Wetlands of International Importance Level International Date 1971 Summary The Convention is the intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. Key Objectives Under the three pillars of the Convention, the Contracting Parties commit to: work towards the wise use of all their wetlands through national plans, policies and legislation, management actions and public education; designate suitable wetlands for the list of Wetlands of International Importance (the “Ramsar List”) and ensure their effective management; cooperate internationally on transboundary wetlands, shared wetland systems, shared species, and development projects that may affect wetlands. Implications for the Local Plan Will need to protect wetlands and consider the impact of proposals on Ramsar sites. The wider use of wetlands should be promoted. Policy/Plan/Programme EC Council Directive 79/409/EEC Conservation of Wild Birds Level European Date 1979 Summary The Directive provides a framework for the conservation and management of, and human interactions with, wild birds in Europe. Key Objectives Take measures to protect, manage and control all species of naturally occurring birds. The identification and classification of Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for rare or vulnerable species listed in Annex I of the Directive, as well as for all regularly occurring migratory species, paying particular attention to the protection of wetlands of international importance (Article 4). The establishment of a general scheme of protection for all wild birds (Article 5). Implications for the Local Plan Consider the impact on bird species and their habitats and how it can contribute to maintaining bird species populations. Consideration should be given in particular to the impact of proposals on The Wash SPA and any necessary protection measures. Policy/Plan/Programme EC Council Directive 92/43/EEC Conservation of Natural Habitats, Floral and Fauna Level European Date 1992 3 Summary The Habitats Directive aims to contribute towards protecting biodiversity through the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora. Key Objectives The main aim of the Habitats Directive is to promote the maintenance of biodiversity by requiring Member States to take measures to maintain or restore natural habitats and wild species listed on the Annexes to the Directive at