ST CATHERINE’S HILL & TOWN COMMON MANAGEMENT PLAN 2012 ‐ 2023 FINAL DRAFT SEPTEMBER 2012 We value our local countryside for its natural beauty and wildlife. This area has been influenced by past generations and is now cared for by a partnership that will take its needs into account for all to enjoy into the future. St Catherine’s Hill & Town Common Management Plan – Final Draft St Catherine’s Hill & Town Common Management Plan 2012 ‐ 2023 Prepared by the St Catherine’s Hill & Town Common Management Plan Steering Group, including Christchurch Borough Council Countryside Service in association with Jude Smith, Rick Minter and Alison Parfitt. “On behalf of the Steering Group I believe that this Plan brings forward a balanced approach to securing the future management of the habitats and landscape on St Catherine’s Hill and Town Common. This will ensure that the most important features are conserved and enhanced with the active involvement of local people. I therefore commend this Plan to you.” Councillor Sue Spittle Chairman, St Catherine’s Hill & Town Common Management Plan Steering Group Citation For bibliography purposes this management plan should be referred to as: Smith, J.E., Parfitt A., Minter, R. & Christchurch Countryside Service. 2012. St Catherine's Hill & Town Common Management Plan, 2012 ‐ 2023. Prepared for St Catherine’s Hill & Town Common Management Plan Steering Group, c/o Christchurch Borough Council, Christchurch. Alison Parfitt Tel: 01242 584982 E‐mail: [email protected] St Catherine’s Hill & Town Common Management Plan – Final Draft CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................ 1 Background....................................................................................................................... 1 Work of the Steering Group .............................................................................................. 2 Guiding principles for the management plan and beyond.................................................. 3 Framework for the plan .................................................................................................... 4 A 25 year vision................................................................................................................. 6 2. BACKGROUND.............................................................................................................. 7 Legal background and designations................................................................................... 7 Land management during the last 20 years..................................................................... 12 3. PHYSICAL FEATURES ................................................................................................... 14 Geology .......................................................................................................................... 14 Soil types ........................................................................................................................ 15 Hydrology and hydro‐geology ......................................................................................... 15 Slopes................................................................................................................................. 17 Landscape character ....................................................................................................... 17 4. ECOLOGY.................................................................................................................... 19 Background..................................................................................................................... 19 Habitats .......................................................................................................................... 19 Important plant and animal species ................................................................................ 22 How the ecological interest can be maintained ............................................................... 24 Management targets in order to maintain main habitats found on site ........................... 26 Climate Change............................................................................................................... 30 5. HISTORY ..................................................................................................................... 31 Early history.................................................................................................................... 31 The last millennia............................................................................................................ 32 Today.............................................................................................................................. 33 6. ACCESS AND USE ........................................................................................................ 34 Byelaws and rights of access ........................................................................................... 34 Public rights of way......................................................................................................... 34 Wayleaves, easements & licences ................................................................................... 35 Vehicular access.............................................................................................................. 35 Public enjoyment............................................................................................................ 35 Community involvement................................................................................................. 36 The dog walking community ........................................................................................... 38 Educational use and facilities .......................................................................................... 39 7. OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................ 41 8. ACTIONS..................................................................................................................... 42 A Enhance ecological integrity, manage and protect habitats and species that are a feature of the site................................................................................................................... 42 Deciding where to expand the heathland........................................................................ 42 Implementation.............................................................................................................. 44 Interpretation of proposals maps.................................................................................... 46 Routine management of woodlands................................................................................ 46 Routine management of heathland................................................................................. 52 Re‐introduction of grazing............................................................................................... 53 Key species management................................................................................................ 55 Invasive species .............................................................................................................. 55 B Safeguard and interpret the features of historic and archaeological interest .......... 56 Background..................................................................................................................... 56 C Maintain and enhance the valued sense of place – its informality and tranquillity, while ensuring informal public access allows people to enjoy and appreciate the site...... 58 St Catherine’s Hill & Town Common Management Plan – Final Draft Horse riding and use of bridleway................................................................................... 58 Dog‐walking.................................................................................................................... 59 Fly tipping....................................................................................................................... 64 D Provide opportunities for education, so people can learn about the site’s wildlife, history and use......................................................................................................................... 65 E Continue to engage community support for the site’s care and management......... 66 Developing opportunities further.................................................................................... 67 F Have regard to the provisions of statutory obligations and to the rights and safety of people who live nearby and/or use the site........................................................................ 68 Issues and opportunities ................................................................................................. 68 9. RESOURCES ................................................................................................................ 71 Finance ........................................................................................................................... 71 Wardening...................................................................................................................... 71 Community Involvement (see Action E)........................................................................... 71 10. REFERENCES..............................................................................................................