Idea Transcript
Broads Authority Biodiversity Action Plan Action Plan 2009-2014 July 2009
Principles for Action In accordance with the principles outlined in the Broads BAP Framework document, four principles for action have been drawn out of the Action Plan tables: 1. Create and maintain new wetland and upland habitats that include low intensity farming, by securing funding for large-scale sustainable habitat enhancement or land acquisition projects 2. Work in partnerships, such as the Conservation Partnership to develop effective networks for wetland adaptation and enhancement as well as working closely with Broads users through the Valley Approach and local liaison 3. Develop and deliver priority ecosystem research projects to aid common understanding, to include assessing the impact of climate change and monitoring the success of adaptation, in addition to furthering ecosystem services evidence 4. Deliver best practice for biodiversity for navigation projects and through the planning process Primary Work Streams The primary work streams, or key projects, that the Broads Authority Conservation Team are taking the lead or a leading role in delivering 2009/10 include the eight listed below. All other projects are detailed in the Action Plan tables below. 1. Fen restoration and management: extended through continued support of reed and sedge cutters, grazing and harvesting of peat fens, including studies of the use of fen litter for fuel and soil improvement 2. Fen Survey: complete and analyse the UKs most significant lowland wetland survey to assess the direction of fen management and the baseline data to assess impacts of climate change 3. Lake restoration programme: new sites for biomanipulation, mudpumping and diffuse pollution control identified and delivered 4. Trinity and Lound Partnership Project: delivering exemplar integrated conservation and catchment work in partnership 5. Connecting Wetlands: partnership working to adapt and enhance wetlands to be more robust to maintain wildlife as climate change impacts become more severe 6. Peat Project: assess the peat soil resource as a major land use footprint for carbon capture in the Broads 7. Non-native Species Control: eradicate, halt the spread, monitor and raise awareness of invasive non-native species 8. Grazing Marsh Quality: map the biodiversity quality and work with partners to understand and enhance the habitat for breeding birds, wintering birds and aquatic wildlife in the ditches Broads Biodiversity Broads Biodiversity - Action Plan Date: 10/08/09
Introduction The Broads Biodiversity Action plan (Broads BAP) Framework adopted by the Broads Authority in 2008 clearly sets out the key challenges and principles guiding the Authority‟s approach to enhancing biodiversity within The Broads. The collation of information on the special habitats and species, along with a series of case studies of partnership conservation projects, provides an opportunity for partners and those with an interest in the Broads to have more information on biodiversity in a single accessible document. The Broads BAP has been produced within the context of the County BAPs for Norfolk and Suffolk. The Framework links to other strategies and plans, including the Broads Local Development Framework. The framework sets out the challenges for the sustainable long-term management of the Broads, in the face of pressures such as nutrient enrichment, habitat fragmentation, non-native species as well as climate change and predicted sea-level rise. The Action Plan This Broads BAP Action Plan provides the direction for Broads Authority biodiversity work that will be completed over the following five year programme (2009-2014). The Plan will be updated annually as required and tends to focus on the next three year period of investment. The projects in this Action Plan are categorised into the areas listed below, and form a response to the pressures as described in the Broads BAP framework document: 1. Adapting to Climate Change 2. Non-native Species and Pest Control 3. Landscape 4. Planning 5. Community and Partnership 6. Research 7. Biodiversity Audit Programme 8. Habitat Actions 9. Biodiversity Indicators 10. Biodiversity Targets The list of potential projects has been generated from existing Broads Authority work programmes and strategies across the Directorates of Planning, Conservation and Countryside and Waterways. These projects involve working with partners such as the Water Quality Partnership, the Public Service Agreement (PSA) steering groups, Wetland and Waterbodies BAP Topic Groups as well as the Broads BAP steering group. The Action Plan includes site specific, as well as wider catchment measures affecting, for example, diffuse pollution to water. Overall projects are consistent with the principles described in the Broads BAP Framework including: working with natural processes and sustainable management; having appropriate cost benefit; supported by partnerships; and overall, focusing on the whole range of variation in living organisms, not just rare or threatened ones.
Broads Biodiversity Broads Biodiversity - Action Plan Date: 10/08/09
This Action Plan lists the projects along with a note on their progress. Where current Broads Authority action plans exist, such as the Lake Restoration or Sediment Management Action Plan, these are cited rather than copying each project into this Broads BAP. Equally, where there are specific actions the Broads Authority is committed to as part of the Norfolk and Suffolk Species Action Plans, the actions not repeated in this document. The projects listed generally focus on being SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timed) rather than generic statements or aspirations. Where possible, projects are broken down into relevant stages, such as feasibility studies and project delivery, to ensure that the larger projects are considered equally to the easier, quick-win projects. The projects listed in this Action Plan do not include all the biodiversity work of the Broads Authority. For example, routine day to day tasks are not recorded, such as commenting on planning applications, numerous site discussions and checks or essential liaison with landowners. Broads BAP projects are wide ranging in their nature and difficult to compare so have not been prioritised. However, all projects which help deliver targets set in the Broads Biodiversity Action Plan, or achieve positive benefits for specific Habitat or Species Action Plans, are considered as high priority. Annual review of the projects within the Action Tables will identify new management requirements and restoration opportunities, as well as provide records of where works have been undertaken. Potential Habitat Opportunity Map This Action Plan attempts to change the inevitable reductionist reporting of projects by inclusion of a habitat opportunity map (Appendix 1). This mapping moves towards an ecosystem approach for the Broads by providing a visual image of the potential habitat creation based on principles of linking and buffering the semi-natural habitats within the associated expansive environment that makes up the Broads BAP area (which is and additional 1km from the executive and peat soil areas). However, the complexity of issues tied up with delivering these opportunities should not be underestimated. This target map cannot be considered in isolation, but rather the first stage in assessing opportunity for progressing towards delivering an improved and integrated ecosystem with biodiversity benefits at the heart of social and economic development of the Broads BAP area. In order for any projects and opportunities to be realised, they need to fit with the economic, landscape, agriculture, historic and community aspirations. It is intended that the opportunity map becomes one of the many tools used to build the Broads Authority‟s Whole Valley Approach. This forward thinking approach will look at ecosystems on a landscape scale. Using the projects listed in this Broads BAP, combined with the biodiversity opportunities identified on the opportunity map, alongside the Whole Valley Approach will help to integrate the vast opportunities in nature with the complexity of human engagement. In its most simple form, this document is intended to be used to monitor and review the delivery of specific biodiversity actions by the Broads Authority. As our awareness and communication of integrated opportunities increases with the Broads Biodiversity Broads Biodiversity - Action Plan Date: 10/08/09
development of the Whole Valley Approach, it is intended that biodiversity opportunity maps will become the foundation of sustainable landscape scale management of the special qualities of the Broads. It is essential that as these landscape projects evolve, with partner and land acquisition opportunities, funding mechanisms be seriously pursued to deliver ambitious projects to deliver wildlife projects that have integral benefit for communities. Potential Habitat Opportunity Map – Methodology The potential Broads habitat creation map has been produced based on the Norfolk Biodiversity Information Service (NBIS) mapping methodology used for the Norwich Green Infrastructure project, and similarly for the East of England Heathland Opportunity Mapping Project. This methodology identifies areas which may have the greatest potential for habitat creation, by linking core habitat areas within and between valleys through semi-natural habitat. Potential areas have been scored according to their location and connectivity to semi-natural habitats, designated sites, watercourses and the underlying peat resource. Criteria scores have been added to indicate those areas which hold the greatest potential for habitat creation opportunities (See Appendix 1). It is worth recognising that the mapping simply gives a desk-based overview of theoretical habitat opportunities. The limitations of this exercise are clear; however, the maps seek to provide a visual impression of areas where wildlife improvement schemes could occur, should landowners want to work towards this goal. As the maps are based on set criteria, such as buffering watercourses and linking existing habitats, the next stage of the project is to use this opportunity map to engage with landowners about their aspirations to manage their land differently for wildlife.
Notes on the Action Plan Tables Timescale of delivery Actions in the tables are colour coded as follows: Ongoing projects throughout Action Plan (2009-2014) Year 1 projects 2009/10 Year 2 projects 2010/11 Year 3-5 projects 2011 - 2014 Costs All costs shown in the tables are within planned Broads Authority budgets or marked by * to show that funds are required Costs do not include Broads Authority staff costs Where no costs are shown this is generally due to no project costs being associate with task or unconfirmed project costs
Broads Biodiversity Broads Biodiversity - Action Plan Date: 10/08/09
Adapting to Climate Change The Broads are vulnerable to impacts of climate change and sea level rise, with increasing salt intrusion, flooding and changes to rainfall patterns expected. The ability for biodiversity to be resilient to this additional pressure requires careful planning and will demand new ways of working across organisational and geographic boundaries. The Broads Authority will begin to adapt biodiversity to climate change through projects that: Increase understanding and reduce the uncertainty around predicted effects; Mitigate against the impacts of climate change; and Adapt habitats and their species to develop resilience to these impacts. Ref. No.
Project
Actions
Progress
Planned budget (* indicative costs & funding required)
Understanding Research Projects
Opportunities for people to understand climate change
Ecoboating Assessing climate change pressures and adaptation Assess the peat Broads Biodiversity Broads Biodiversity - Action Plan Date: 10/08/09
Establish research projects which assess the likely impact of climate change on priority species and habitats (such as the stonewort translocation project) Raise awareness of the impacts and the approach to adapt behaviour and landscapes to climate change
Start & end dates
Potential partners
20092014
Universities
NE, EA, NWT, SWT
Brief staff on climate change issues. Input into development of "landscape" web product to ensure development of relevant pages to highlight issues and opportunities Focus National Park Ecologists workshop on climate change adaptation Input into Green Boat Show to promote uptake of ecoboating
Presentation at staff development day Development of web product for LCA in progress Complete in June 09
20092014
Assess main greenhouse gas emissions within Broads area (including visitor footprint) and Authority. Recommend adaptation strategies Establish peat project to understand the
Ongoing
£25,000
2009/ 2010
Baseline data being collected,
£22,000
2009-
£500
2009/ 2010 20092014
Boating organisations
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resource
Partnership Working
Mitigation Land management and greenhouse gas emissions Adaptation Developing adaptation scenarios Ecological Networks (EcoNets) Species Connecting Wetlands
Broads Biodiversity Broads Biodiversity - Action Plan Date: 10/08/09
resource and its ability to balance carbon and other green house gases under different regimes Participate in Norfolk Climate Change Partnership Liaise with Climate Change Panel to integrate biodiversity
contractor & volunteers appointed for survey and data interpretation and GHG assessment
20092014 20092014
Run a workshop on greenhouse gas emissions management
Develop scenarios for adapting the Broads valleys for climate change by working in partnership Develop and incorporate principles and approach of EcoNets within the Valley Approach Translocate stoneworts and other species of risk into lower risk refuge areas Deliver partnership projects to adapt and enhance wetland habitats (projects listed in habitats actions)
2011
£1,000 *
20102011
NE, EA
20092014
NE, EA, BESL
Ant valley pilot progressing well
20092014
Trials at Hickling in progress
20082010 20092014
Norfolk Biodiversity Partnership NWT
„Conservation Partnership‟ formed. Grants for Connecting Wetlands Projects established.
NE, EA, BESL, NWT, SWT
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Non-Native Species & Pest Control With non-native species posing the second biggest threat to biodiversity (as recognised by the Convention on Biological Diversity 1992 and by Defra in the Invasive Non-native Species Framework Strategy for Great Britain (2008)), the development of a Norfolk Action Plan by the Norfolk Non-Native Species Initiative (NNNSI) will help to prioritise effort and channel resources. The Broads Authority will focus on non-native species through the following projects. Of these projects, the control of mink, floating pennywort and parrots feather in particular, along with monitoring and understanding the impact of other invasive non-natives are the highest priority, as guided by national priority and agreed at the Norfolk Non-Native Species Forum. Ref. No.
Project
Actions
Progress
Planned budget
Start & end dates
Potential partners
-
2009/ 2010
NNNSI
£5,000
2009/ 2010 2009/ 2010
NNNSI
2009/ 2010
NE, EA, WMA, NCC
2009/ 2010
NNNSI, EA, Defra, ESW
(* indicative costs & funding required)
Invasive species audit
Collate and maintain records for all species of concern and link to NNNSI information
Non-Native Species Initiative
Contribute to Coordinator
Control - Mink Management Project
Control – priority non-native plant species Control – Himalayan balsam
Control giant hogweed Broads Biodiversity Broads Biodiversity - Action Plan Date: 10/08/09
Collaborate with NNNSI to explore the possibility of preparing a bid for European funding Involve gamekeepers and land managers in control of mink
Control floating pennywort in the Waveney and Rockland, parrots feather at How Hill and other species at several locations. Prioritise in accordance to potential to spread Control Himalayan balsam in select locations through volunteer work parties and encourage work outside area with community or angling groups and the Rivers Trust Control giant hogweed in the Yare Valley, particularly at Whitlingham.
BA data base developed All records past to Non-native Species Coordinator
Contract ongoing
£3,500 (total project with partner contribution £18,000)
Work ongoing
£10,000 (total project £50,000)
NNNSI
Ongoing
-
20092014
NNNSI
Ongoing
-
20092014
NNNSI
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Monitoring zebra mussel and the Asiatic Clam Rhododendron clearance Pest Control Training - staff Training - guidance
Training – garden centres Training – planning guidance
Training - partners
Policy
Broads Biodiversity Broads Biodiversity - Action Plan Date: 10/08/09
Monitor numbers of non-native mussel populations
Work underway in 2009
£1,000*
20092014
NNNSI
Ongoing
-
Landowners
Scheduled in 2009 and ongoing
£2,000 *
2009/ 2014 2009/ 2010 2009/ 2014 2009/ 2014 2009/ 2014
NNNSI
£3,000 *
2009/ 2010
NNNSI
£1,000 *
2009/ 2010
East Port, ABP Lowestoft NNNSI
See woodland habitat section Encourage control of pests through habitat management and liaison with gamekeepers Train staff in identification of key non-native species Develop identification guides for key non-native species to be used by officers, contractors, river users and volunteers Raise awareness of non-natives species in the media, Broads publications and days of action Work with aquatic plant suppliers in the Broads area to raise awareness and encourage them to cease selling invasive non-native plants Provide guidance to developers (linked to webbased landscape product) on identification, control and eradication of invasive non-native species
£5,000 *
Broadcaster article complete and day of action planned for 2009 £1,000 *
Work with the ports in the Broads area to raise awareness of invasive species Develop policies to prioritise and guide action for non-native species
Policy in progress for BA New Zealand pygmy weed control
2009/ 2010
NNNSI NNNSI
NNNSI
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Landscape Delivering projects at a landscape scale for biodiversity assists with providing an overview for species and habitat actions ensuring requirements are met across the Broads valleys, as opposed to looking at isolated sites, such as nature reserves. The valley scale aims to take a holistic approach, looking not just at biodiversity issues, but also issues such as local economies and agriculture, ecotourism and health and social benefits of a quality environment. The „Valley Approach‟ also gives identity to areas and enables communities to get involved with biodiversity and environment projects.
Ref. No.
Project
Actions
Progress
Planned budget (* indicative costs & funding required)
Valley Approach
Start & end dates
2 workshops held for Ant valley approach with partners and community Complete opportunity mapping in June 2009
20092014
Ecological Networks (EcoNets)
Develop and integrate biodiversity creation, enhancement and maintenance projects on a valley basis Develop projects to connect and buffer habitats in the Broads hinterland area
Green Infrastructure Projects
Identify biodiversity projects for the Broads and linking growth point areas
20092010
Landscape Character Assessment
Develop web based landscape product to ensure dissemination of biodiversity issues at "landscape " scale and develop appropriate web content to provide design guidance on biodiversity matters
Opportunity mapping ongoing and contractor appointed to prioritise projects in corridor from Norwich to Broads. BA projects drafted. Phase 1 development underway
Broads Biodiversity Broads Biodiversity - Action Plan Date: 10/08/09
Phase 2 specification being assessed
20092010
£10,000
Potential partners
NWT, SWT, NE, FC, NBIS, landowners NCC, NE, Landscape Partnership, BDC
20092011
£50,000 *
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Planning The Broads BAP Framework Document draws attention to the biodiversity duty in the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (2006) and clearly sets out the Authority‟s planning responsibilities related to biodiversity. Leading and coordinating this Broads Biodiversity Action Plan is an objective of the Broads Plan and required as part of the evidence base for the Local Development Framework. This section includes actions undertaken across the Authority that contribute towards delivering a biodiversity compliant planning service. Ref. No.
Project
Actions
Progress
Planned budget (* indicative costs & funding required)
Monitor incoming planning applications
Standard proforma for biodiversity surveys Update biodiversity information on the validation checklist Local Development Framework Planning officer awareness
Supplementary Planning Documents
Broads Biodiversity Broads Biodiversity - Action Plan Date: 10/08/09
Recommend conditions on new developments for mitigation; Recommend biodiversity/habitat enhancements on existing structures. Assess planning applications using agreed standards of information
Investigate development of Biodiversity and Climate Change Adaptation Supplementary Planning Document
Potential partners
On-going
20092014
Ongoing discussions with partners
2009/ 2010
LPAs
2009/ 2010
LPAs
Update the validation checklist to make locally relevant for The Broads Ensure the LDF policies include wider Econets and Broads habitat opportunity mapping Ensure that BA‟s Planning Department is represented at the annual “Planning and Biodiversity” seminar
Start & end dates
Core Strategy references EcoNets and policies are ongoing
2009/ 2010 20092014
2010/ 2011
Norfolk & Suffolk Biodiversity Partnerships EA
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Community and Partnerships Through these community projects and partnerships we want to engage the whole community in getting to know and understand the Broads landscape, with a view to changing those things that are damaging biodiversity. This section includes actions to effectively deliver biodiversity with the community and partnership work. They are a selection of projects and by no means form a comprehensive list of this area of work undertaken by the Broads Authority. Ref. No.
Project
Actions
Progress
Planned budget (* indicative costs & funding required)
Working with volunteers Awareness raising
Events Community projects Partnership Working
Broads Biodiversity Broads Biodiversity - Action Plan Date: 10/08/09
Advertise and support specific volunteer opportunities with the conservation team Organise training days on specific habitats and species for volunteers, staff and members Raise public understanding of habitat restoration requirements and landscape issues Develop events that focus on biodiversity and how to address challenges Widen the number of people being introduced to biodiversity e.g. Forest Schools and Mosaic Contribute to the Norfolk and Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership Meet regularly with NE to discuss HLS applications and targeting Work in accordance to MOU with Natural England for Fen restoration and Management Work in accordance to MOU for Trinity Broads restoration and Management Coordinate the Water Quality Partnership and deliver projects to minimise non-agricultural diffuse pollution. Become member of the Wensum Valley Trust
Several new posts advertised Fen plants and protected species training planned for 2009 Ongoing though media and literature and community groups 2010 International Year of Biodiversity Funding being sought
£500
£3000 Quarterly meetings set and as applications are submitted
Start & end dates
Potential partners
2009/ 2010 2009/ 2010 20092014 20092014 20092014 2009/ 2010 20092014 20092014 20092014 20092014 2009/ 2010
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Meeting with stakeholder groups to discuss specific issues and partnership projects e.g. NFU, BRASCA Seek to develop closer working relationship and partnership projects with Anglian Water
20092014 20092014
Research The Broads have a long history of research with the Broads Authority supporting PhD and MSc research as well as commissioning high quality research and monitoring contracts for habitats and species. Of particular interest is continuing the well studied fen and lake research and monitoring programmes. In addition developing catchment, hydrology and climate change research are given appropriate priority in the 2009 Broads Authority research review. The research programme, often undertaken in partnerships, supports our evidence-based management of habitats and species. Ref. No.
Project
Actions
Progress
Planned budget (* indicative costs & funding required)
Students
Research Review Research Strategy
Develop partnerships with universities and research organisations and at least one project supervised annually Undertake a review of BA funded research over the past four years Deliver the natural environment research priorities outlined in the research review. Work with partners to identify common priorities. Seek funding for research e.g. impact of climate change and adaptation scenarios
MSc projects advertised on website
£500
Complete, to be disseminated Funding gained for peat research
£22,000
Start & end dates
Potential partners
2009/ 2010 2009/ 2010 2010/ 2014
NE, EA, WMA, ESW
Biodiversity Audit Programme A wealth of information is available on the importance of species and habitats in The Broads. There are 147 BAP species listed in the Broads BAP and ten „priority habitats‟ from the UK Plan are recognised by the Broads BAP within The Broads boundary.
Broads Biodiversity Broads Biodiversity - Action Plan Date: 10/08/09
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Habitats within The Broads have been mapped by Broads Authority and Norfolk Biodiversity Information Service (NBIS) by collating the most up-to-date sources of information, digitising from aerial photos, investigating overlaps. The Broads Authority will audit biodiversity through the following projects: Ref. No.
Project
Actions
Progress
Planned budget (* indicative costs & funding required)
Start & end dates
Potential partners
2009/ 2010 2010/ 2011 2014 2009/ 2010 2009/ 2010 20092014 20092014 2009/ 2010
NBIS, NCC, SBR NBN
Buglife, Norfolk Biodiversity Partnership
Biological data management
Transfer all BA held species records to NBIS and NBN Investigate use of NBN spatial mapping tool
List completed and data being transferred
Species audit Identification of targets Mapping of habitats
Update Broads BAP species list annually Develop and map area targets to maintain, enhance and create BAP habitats in the Broads Produce maps of existing BAP habitats. Ensure they are up to date and metadata are recorded Monitor aquatic plants in key lakes and river sections Set up long term monitoring of fens
List complete for 2009 Existing habitats mapped
Complete Fen Ecological Survey
Survey to be completed in 2009. Analysis in 2010
£84,600
Supporting UK marsh dyke assessment
£4,000
2009/ 2010
£2,000
2009/ 2010
Species audits
Contribute to monitoring plants and invertebrates in marsh dykes.
Support country biological recording Identification of County Wildlife Sites
Broads Biodiversity Broads Biodiversity - Action Plan Date: 10/08/09
Contribute to Norfolk Biodiversity Information Service (NBIS) and Suffolk Biological Records Centre Use criteria to assess potential for CWS designation in The Broads
Habitat maps complete, updates specified in habitat sections Annual aquatic plant surveys ongoing Methodology being developed
Data gathered needs analysing
£3,575
(partner contribution £62,400)
2009/ 2010
Wetland Topic Groups NE, NBIS, SBRC
NE, EA
NWT/SWT
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Habitat Actions BAP habitats, selected on the basis of importance and extent in the Broads, are subject to a variety of pressures. These are described in the Broads BAP Framework as: climate change, non-native species, habitat isolation and fragmentation, scrub management, waterways management, water quality and quantity. These evidence-based pressures have resulted in the delivery of management actions to help mitigate the effect of the impacts on biodiversity and work towards enhancing ecosystems. Where Broads Authority actions are listed in the Norfolk and Suffolk BAPs or up to date action plans, such as the Lake Restoration Action Plan, these are not listed again here to avoid duplication. In accordance with national and regional BAP guidance, an attempt has been made to identify the data required to set targets for Broads habitats under four categories: maintain; achieve; enhance and expand. The criteria used in this exercise are listed in Appendix 2. Further work is required to develop these targets.
Broads Biodiversity Broads Biodiversity - Action Plan Date: 10/08/09
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River and shallow lake River and shallow lake habitats have been combined, as the actions required to maintain, enhance and create biodiversity within these systems are similar. A full account of river and shallow lake habitats, including the pressures they face and the detailed work programme adopted by the Broads Authority, is given in the Lake Restoration Strategy, the Sediment Management Strategy, and the Water Space Management Plans for the Trinities, Barton and Upper Thurne. The Lake Restoration projects are grouped into the following six themes: salinity; nutrients; morphology; chemicals; sediment; and habitats. The themes are designed to cover all the elements necessary to assist with effective delivery of the Water Framework Directive. Biodiversity runs through them all. The Lake Restoration Strategy Action Plan is funded by additional grant provided by Defra for the period of 2008-2011. Following this period, the core budget will cover limited maintenance of a few key projects, such as routine fish survey and removal at Cockshoot Broad.
Ref. No.
Project
Actions
Progress
Planned budget
Start & end dates
Potential partners
£183,200
20092014
various
£80,000
20092014
ESW, EN, EA
20092014
ESW, EN, EA, Somerleyton Estate BESL
(* indicative costs & funding required)
Lake Restoration Action Plan
Deliver Action Plan to achieve BAP and designated site targets
Trinity Broads Project
Deliver Action Plan to achieve BAP and designated site targets (includes actions for fen, farmland and woodland habitats)
Lound Lakes and Fritton Project
Deliver Action Plan to achieve BAP and designated site targets (includes actions for fen, farmland and woodland habitats)
Ongoing
Reduce impacts of informal moorings
Identify areas where informal moorings are causing bank-side erosion or damage to marginal habitats; awareness raising and direct measures to prevent mooring at such locations Monitor incoming planning applications and recommend fish-friendly measures
Survey required
2010/ 2011
Ongoing
20092014
EA, WMA
Promote low wash hulls, phosphate-free washing detergents and non-toxic antifoul
Greater input to Broads Green Boat Show to raise awareness; working
2009/ 2010
BHBF
Enhance fish movement and migration where appropriate Green boating initiatives to improve Broads Biodiversity Broads Biodiversity - Action Plan Date: 10/08/09
Strategy (2008) and Action Plan (2009) complete and being delivered Ongoing
09/10 (partner contribution £75,400)
£65,100 09/10 (partner contribution £64,900)
£300
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river water quality
paints
Dredging disposal strategy Mitigate impact of dredging disposal
Seek opportunities to manage sediment and create wetland habitat. Undertake protected species and biodiversity surveys and use dredgings to maximise opportunities for habitat creation where possible Develop a system of creating reed fringe and islands from sediment
Create new opportunities for habitat creation in association with sediment removal Reduce disturbance
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Broads Biodiversity Broads Biodiversity - Action Plan Date: 10/08/09
Investigate opportunities for land raising prior to wetland creation Implement the Water Space Management Plans for Upper Thurne, Trinity and Barton Broads with annual reviews of the Upper Thurne wildfowl refuge Implement SOPs for BA operations; consult with partners prior to adoption
with BHBF on provision of phosphate-free detergents Complete dredging disposal strategy in June 2009 Ongoing
2009/ 2010 20092014
Sediment baskets being trialled
2009/ 2010
Sediment disposal strategy ongoing Close partnership work to monitor Upper Thurne wildfowl refuge
-
20092014
Consult on SOPs in June 2009
£500
20092010
NE, NT,NACA, BASG
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Reedbed The Broads lowland areas offer potential for creating new reedbed habitats for wetland BAP specialists such as the bittern and reed bunting. Conservationminded landowners are seeking opportunities to create new reedbeds, particularly on areas of poor quality arable, or currently low biodiversity interest grazing marsh. The Broads Authority has created substantial areas of reedbed at sites such as Mown Fen and Buttle Marsh to create a necklace of sites appropriate for important Broadland species including bittern. The Authority are currently delivering its Connecting Wetlands Project by facilitating and guiding work via the landscape-scale approaches of the wetland opportunity mapping developed in partnership with Broadland Flood Alleviation Project, the Broads Authority Valley Approach, being piloted in the Ant valley, and the Wildlife Trusts Living Landscapes in the Bure, Upper Thurne and Lower Waveney. The additional Defra grant is currently funding Connecting Wetlands partnership work. Further funding to continue to deliver the common approaches of landscape-scale wetland adaption will be required in 2011. These wetland projects will need to demonstrate the benefits for local people and their success measured by low input sustainable management systems. Reedbed habitat in this document is defined as dominantly reed vegetation growing on non-peat soils, such as the clay and silts deposited by past estuarine conditions. Ref. No.
Project
Actions
Progress
Planned budget
Start & end dates
Potential partners
Ongoing
20092014
RSPB
RSPB visit completed initial assessment (2008)
2010/ 2011
(* indicative costs & funding required)
Monitoring
Connecting Wetlands Project
Connecting Wetlands: Hickling north Connecting Broads Biodiversity Broads Biodiversity - Action Plan Date: 10/08/09
Record numbers of booming bitterns and bearded tits on land owned and managed by the Broads Authority Complete a site review of How Hill to determine management work required to enhance breeding bitterns and other wildlife Work in partnership to deliver wetland adaptation to climate change, habitat enhancement and creation projects throughout the Broads Create over 20ha of new reedbed and another 30 hectares adapted towards more natural functioning New reedbed created
Variety of projects creating and researching wetland habitats. Additional funding will be required following the end of additional defra grant in 2011 Feasibility study in progress, planning approval and delivery to be completed Feasibility studies being assessed
£61,800
20092014
NWT, SWT, RSPB, EA, NE, WMA, BESL
Within above
20082010
As above
Within
2008-
As above
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Wetlands: Oulton Marshes Wetland adaptation
Broads Biodiversity Broads Biodiversity - Action Plan Date: 10/08/09
above Seek to deliver one large reedbed creation project and manage in accordance to sustainable management principles
Habitat opportunity mapping to be completed in June 09
2010 20092014
Landowners, NE, SWT, NWT, EA, BESL
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Fen The largest expanse of species-rich peat fen in lowland Britain occurs in the Broads. It supports unique species, such as the fen orchid and milk parsley, which is the food plant of the swallowtail butterfly, one of the Broads charismatic species. Through years of human management, cutting reed and sedge for thatching, taking a hay crop and light grazing, the fens have developed a diverse vegetation mosaic, rich in both invertebrates and plant species. The Broads Authority takes a leading role in researching, monitoring and managing the fens. The framework for fen management (Figure 1) outlines the evidence based approach to fen management, through the baseline ecological „resource data‟ being used to inform „strategy‟ that in turn provides the principles policies and targets for the diverse range of fen „management‟ techniques. The Fen Audit (2004), which assessed practical suitability of management techniques on a site basis, concluded that two-thirds of the c.1700ha of mainly privately owned open fen is suitable for management, by the harvester, commercial or grazing management. The remaining third could be managed by rotational scrub clearance or conservation cutting by hand. The Authority is working to increase the capacity and area of commercial cutting in combination with managing grazing and harvesting projects. In addition sites will be futher assessed for ecological suitability on a needs basis and as information from the complete resurvey of fen vegetation in the 2008-10 (Fen Ecological Survey), becomes available in 2010. The review and evaluation of fen management is an ongoing process. As new ecological data becomes available, such as the Fen Ecological Survey (the complete survey of fens to be completed in 2010), the strategy and management are assessed to ensure they are delivering the conservation objectives for the fens in accordance to the balance of the new evidence base. This review is undertaken by the Broads Authority Conservation Team in dialogue partners e.g. Natural England, land managers, owners and reed and sedge cutters. The Fen Ecological Survey (updating the Fen Resource Survey 1995) will not only facilitate and assess management techniques, it will also look at the impact of climate change, in particular salt ingress and changing water levels on plant and invertebrate communities. This will prompt a review of the current Fen Management Strategy in 2010/11 and inform flood management decision and water abstraction consents.
Resource data Complete survey of fens (1995 & 2010)
Restoration & Management
Fen Management Strategy (1997)
Commercial
Plants, peat & invertebrates
Turf pond assessment (1986-97 & 2006)
Supplement to the Fen Management Strategy (2004)
Plants
Carbon audit of fen management (2006)
Hydro-ecology (various – ongoing)
Fen dykes Figure 1. Framework for fen management
Strategy
Fish (2007-09) Plants (2010/11)
Fen Audit (2004) Review of the Fen Audit (2009) Incorporating information from cutters and harvester
Harvester Conservation cutting by hand Turf cutting Dyke management Grazing Scrub clearance
Review of the Fen Management Strategy and Audit (2010/11) Incorporating information from Fen Ecological Survey
Broads Biodiversity Broads Biodiversity - Action Plan Date: 10/08/09
P a g e | 20
Ref. No.
Project
Actions
Progress
Planned budget (* indicative costs & funding required)
Monitoring Monitoring – salinity tolerance Monitoring – fen management
Monitor and investigate milk parsley tolerance to different salinity Maintain fen management events data base
Project specification circulated to Universities Ongoing
£500
Pilot sites and method to be developed in 2009.
£500
Monitoring – Fen Ecological Survey
Set up pilots for long term monitoring programme on fens Review pilot data and undertake routine monitoring Complete the Fen Ecological Survey data collection (2007-10)
Survey of fen dykes
Collate the results of the Fen Ecological Survey to inform fen management and adaptation to climate change Survey six fen dykes for fish and eels
Research Research peat resource Research peat resource Research peat resource Research fen arisings
Broads Biodiversity Broads Biodiversity - Action Plan Date: 10/08/09
Ongoing
£84,600 (partner contribution £62,400)
Contract let
Commission water plant surveys of fen dykes
Need to establish costs and seek new funding and partners
Date peat cores to determine accumulation rates in a variety of vegetation types and management regimes Assess the area of peat and the enhancement projects required to lock up carbon in wetland habitats Assess quality of peat in potential turf pond restoration areas Investigate the wide-scale use of fen material as soil improver. Assessing the time to compost, the composition and trialling
Funding for project at South Fen secured for 2009/10 further funding may be required Mapping underway, collation of baseline data ongoing Undertaken by staff as part of feasibility process Ongoing
Start & end dates
2010/ 2011 20092014 2009/ 2010 2010/ 2011 2009/ 2010
Potential partners
NE NE, EA NE, EA, ESW
£18,000 *
2010/ 2011
NE, EA, ESW
£9,848
2009/ 2010 20112012
EA
£5,000
2009/ 2010
£18,000
20092014
£5000
NE
20092014 2009/ 2011
P a g e | 21
incorporating into commercial agriculture in partnership with local landowner/s. Restoration and Management Managing Complete long rotation conservation mowing of succession – hand mixed fen areas to retain open habitats for mowing biodiversity Managing – commercial cutting Managing succession – scrub clearance Managing succession – grazing Managing succession – fen harvesting Managing succession - Digger
Managing succession – amphibious cutting Disposal of fen material from fen harvester
Restore commercial beds for short rotation commercial management in accordance to the Fen Audit Clear scrub at approx. 15 fen compartments in 2009/10 to compliment commercial, grazing and harvesting (not including very minor scrub removal projects) Manage ponies to graze 15 compartments or 70ha grazed per year Employ fen harvester at approx. 8 compartments per year
£5,000 (total project with partner contribution £7,500)
2009/ 2010
Landowners, ESW, contractors
Ongoing. Fen Audit review seeks to expand as appropriate
£7000
2009/ 2010
Landowners, BRASCA
Ongoing
£7,000 (total
2009/ 2010
Landowners, NWT, NE, ESW
2009/ 2010 2009/ 2010
Landowners, NWT Landowners, NE
2009/ 2010
Landowners, NE
project with partner contribution £18,000)
Ongoing
£11,500
Ongoing
£15,000 fen harvester (income £20,000)
Use digger to restore dykes and wetland features at approx. 8 compartments per year (including Hickling, Buttle Marsh, Ward Marsh, Clayrack 09/10) Restore open water at Turf Fen
Ongoing
Feasibility assessments ongoing
£12,435 *
2009/ 2010
Work with partners and landowners to investigate and trial co-composting, biodigestion, pelleting and use of fen material as soil improver
Currently incorporating fen material on agricultural land in Ant valley as a soil improver Feasibility for mobile pelleting unit being assessed Feasibility study complete, planning approval ongoing and delivery via HLS Assessing potential for Oulton Marshes to be restored to fen or
£4,000
20092014
Wetland adaptation – South Fen
Increase water levels to recreate 60 ha of landowner grazed fen habitat
Wetland adaptation
Develop partnership projects to enhance and where possible fens for resilience to climate
Broads Biodiversity Broads Biodiversity - Action Plan Date: 10/08/09
Ongoing
£17,000 (income £15,000)
£20,000 * £22,500
AW, landowners RSPB
20082010
NE, IDB, EA, landowners
20092014
Landowners, NE, SWT,
P a g e | 22
Investigate removal of dams and improve connection of fen ditch network to the river Ant and Bure Remove dam and bypass ditch at Alderfen following catchment measures to lower nutrient concentration Reconnect Calthorpe to its catchment Investigate potential improve connections of fen ditch network in the Trinity Broads Reduce or remove some flood embankments, remove dams in the Upper Thurne Ecohydrology monitoring Management of fen dykes for fish
Fen Audit
Broads Biodiversity Broads Biodiversity - Action Plan Date: 10/08/09
change and manage both sustainably and extensively Develop a site specific list to work with landowners and managers to reconnect fens to the river system to promote more natural functioning where appropriate for the management of ecology and economics Reduce residence time and increase flushing
reedbed habitat as appropriate
Restore a more natural hydrological regime.
NWT, EA 20092014
Landowners, NE, Cutters, Plantlife
2009/ 2010
NWT, EA, NE
Projects to be scoped
20092014
NE
Enhance hydrological connectivity between the floodplain fen and the broads
Projects to be scoped
20092014
ESW, landowners, WMA, NE
Work in partnership to achieve greater hydrological connectivity with the river and floodplain fen in the Thurne. Target areas Hickling and Heigham Holmes as appropriate for the management of ecology and economics. Assess conductivity data to assess the degree of connectance of fen dykes to the main river Carry out a literature review of the use of wetlands by fish. Review management practices and produce guidelines for fen managers Update the Fen Audit by incorporating changes from the Reed and Sedge Cutting industry
Feasibility studies ongoing as part of Connecting Wetlands Project
20082014
EA, BESL, NWT, WMA, NE
2010/ 2011 2009/ 2010
EA
2009/ 2010
Landowners, BRASCA
Outflow to be reconnected in 2009/10
Data needs to be assessed and salt tides monitored in 2009/10 Contract let
£1,000
£5,000 * £7,000
EA
P a g e | 23
Grazing Marsh and Dyke Coastal grass marsh covers over 40% of the Broads, making it the largest area of BAP habitat. This habitat is rare in the UK and the ditches support many water plant communities that have long since disappeared from the lakes. With appropriate water management, the grazing marshes of the Broads can support breeding and wintering birds to enhance the UK‟s declining numbers. Many of the grazing marshes in the Broads could be improved for biodiversity with much of the area currently supporting only landscape rather than biodiversity value. The Broads Authority is working to assess the current biodiversity value. This evidence, along with the toolkits developed by landowners such as the RSPB, will help provide other willing landowners with the techniques for making the best of the incentives offered by the agri-environment schemes for improving biodiversity. Best practice projects in the Broads have shown spectacular numbers of breeding and wintering birds and associated vegetation communities can go handin-hand with economic farming for the future. Further Broads Authority resources would enable partnerships to develop with the landowners of the grazing marshes and Natural England and Water Management Alliance to deliver real change for this often overlooked habitat. Ref. No.
Project
Actions
Progress
Planned budget (* indicative costs & funding required)
Monitoring Assess biodiversity value Mapping Map biodiversity value Wetland adaptation
Grazing and livestock skills
Broads Biodiversity Broads Biodiversity - Action Plan Date: 10/08/09
Survey 80 grazing marsh dykes
Dykes prioritised, landowners to be contacted and surveys completed
Develop criteria to assess biodiversity value of grazing marshes Digitise all areas of grazing marsh in the Broads Executive Area – possibly using Lidar data Map quality of grazing marshes based on criteria developed with the Wetland Topic Group Develop large scale partnership projects to enhance grazing marsh habitat for wildlife and sustainable farming
Initial criteria developed
Assess the need to develop skills for extensive grazing and livestock management
Lantra course developed for 2009
Largely completed for the Framework document Ongoing
£4,000 (total project £150,000)
£5,000 *
Start & end dates
Potential partners
2009/ 2010
Buglife, Norfolk BAP
2009/ 2010 2009/ 2010 2009/ 2010
Wetland Topic Group NBIS
20092014
Landowners, NE, SWT, NWT, EA
2009 2014
Easton College, RSPB, NWT
Wetland Topic Group
P a g e | 24
Grazing and livestock products Habitat improvements at Oulton Marshes
Assess the need to facilitate a Broads brand of conservation-grade beef Work with SWT to assess the baseline ecological condition of new acquisition land and assess the hydrology
Projects being scoped and costed
£10,000
2011/ 2012 20092011
RSPB, NWT, NFU SWT, IDB
Woodland and Scrub Mature alder carr woodland supports high biodiversity interest and requires minimal management intervention. It is important that woodland and scrub be protected by planning enforcement. Patches of younger scrub within a fen or reedbed also provide biodiversity value for resident birds. The Broads Authority gathers data on this important resource, such as carrying out the survey of all non-SSSI woodland, mapping the woodland area and removing non-native vegetation such as rhododendron and Himalayan balsam. Ref. No.
Project
Actions
Progress
Planned budget (* indicative costs & funding required)
Monitoring
Carry out Phase 1 survey of non-designated woodland Assess phase 1 data and determine sites for more detailed survey
Ongoing
Mapping
Map wet and dry woodland using existing and Phase 1 survey
Data digitised on an ongoing basis supported by a volunteer
2009/ 2010
Mapping
Collate woodland data to provide a full assessment of the wet wood land resource Engage with Wet Woodland Group
Integrate SWT wet woodland data with BA phase 1 mapping
Remove sycamore and rhododendron from around Trinity Broads – use monitoring data assessed to determine extent
Cost to be developed in 2009/10
2009/ 2010 2009/ 2010 2010/ 2011
Wet Woodland Group Non-native species control
Broads Biodiversity Broads Biodiversity - Action Plan Date: 10/08/09
£5000
Start & end dates
Potential partners
2009/ 2010 2010/ 2011
SWT
ESW, NE
P a g e | 25
Coast and Estuary The small area of coast around the area of Winterton and Horsey and the larger Breydon estuary are important habitats that increase the richness of the Broads as an area. These habitats provide unique opportunities for people to get close to seals and large flocks of wintering waders. The Broads Authority, using its excavator, will work in partnership to restore coastal habitat by creating ponds and removing non-native vegetation in Winterton SSSI. Using people‟s enthusiasm for seal watching as a starting point, the Broads Authority will guide people to invest in other wildlife experiences in the Broads as appropriate. For Breydon Water, through working with the Environment Agency, the Broads Authority will consider the implications and adaptation required to retain robust areas of mudflat and salt marsh
Ref. No.
Project
Actions
Progress
Planned budget (* indicative costs & funding required)
Pond restoration
Create and restore ponds for natterjack toads
Non-native species control Seal wardening
Remove rhododendron from Winterton
Coastal Wildlife Coastal squeeze
Broads Biodiversity Broads Biodiversity - Action Plan Date: 10/08/09
Safeguard seals and pups by providing a winter wardening service Raise awareness of other Broads wildlife experiences though appropriate sign posting Consider biodiversity implications of increasing sea levels on the mudflats and remaining saltmarsh on Breydon and support approaches to consider adaptive management over the longer term
Ongoing
Start & end dates
Potential partners
2009 2011 2009 2011 2009 2014 2009 2014 20092014
NE NE NT NE, NT, NWT EA, RSPB
P a g e | 26
Lowland Heathland and Dry Acid Grassland There are numerous references to old heaths in place names in areas of upland around the Broads; however, only a few remnants remain, along with indications of the potential for heath-type vegetation, such as the existence of gorse or heather patches. The area to the north-east has perhaps the sandiest soils, offering the greatest potential for re-creation of heath; however, much of this land is also of high value for agriculture. Currently, the Broads Authority works to maintain small areas of existing or potential heath in the Ant valley and around Trinity Broads. New work to create areas of heath on the valley-side habitat is also underway using funding from Countryside Stewardship, Broads Authority ponies at Valentine‟s Meadow and the Broads Authority/ Natural England digger at Sutton Fen. Ref. No.
Project
Actions
Progress
Planned budget (* indicative costs & funding required)
Maintain heathland Restore and maintain heathland Create new habitat
Create new habitat
Broads Biodiversity Broads Biodiversity - Action Plan Date: 10/08/09
Remove scrub and control gorse at East Ruston and Barton Turf heath Remove scrub and initiate grazing at Lily Broad in order to restore and maintain heath Monitor the success of experimental heathland creation at Valentines Meadow, including using extensive grazing with ponies Fill in dyke at base of Valentine‟s Meadow to recreate natural hydroseral gradation from dry to wet habitats and facilitate extensive grazing Monitor the success of experimental heathland creation at the Ant – near Sutton Fen Remove nutrient-rich topsoil and re-seed to create potential heath near Sutton Fen Develop large-scale partnership projects to create heathland and grassland under extensive and sustainable management
Ongoing
£5,000 *
Ongoing with volunteers Creation of shelter belts, topping and preparing site for grazing Investigation of drainage underway, works as part of the BA digger programme of works
Potential partners
20092014 20092014 20092014
Landowners ESW
20092014
£5,000 Opportunities being investigated for Green Infrastructure Strategy
Start & end dates
20092014 2009/ 2010 20092014
Landowner, NE RSPB NCC, Landowners, NE, NWT
P a g e | 27
Farmland Farmland has large potential to improve biodiversity, especially at a time when farmland birds are in severe decline. The Broads is surrounded by farmland and the drainage, fertiliser and other management choices that farmers make are often linked to the quality of the surrounding habitats. Farming continues to make many environmental improvements. However, evidence shows there is more to do to bring biodiversity to the buffer land of the Broads and protect the Broads area itself. The Broads Authority is working in partnership with Essex and Suffolk Water to deliver a catchment sensitive farming project at 2 biodiverse lakes sites – Trinity Broads and Lound and Fritton Lakes. The initial years have worked on providing the evidence base, advising farmers, and monitoring water quality. The close link of the catchment and conservation projects ensures biodiversity gain and integrated delivery. The Broads catchment work also links to the England Catchment Sensitive Farming Project New challenges face today‟s farmers. These include managing nutrient and soils within regulations, in association with high rainfall events that are becoming more frequent with climate change. On high risk fields where evidence exists of damage to downstream SSSIs, often gathered with the help of aerial photography, the creative use of infiltration strips or landuse change will be required within these buffer zones. Ref. No.
Project
Actions
Progress
Planned budget (* indicative costs & funding required)
Catchment work in the Trinity Broads and Lound Lakes
Broads Biodiversity Broads Biodiversity - Action Plan Date: 10/08/09
Start & end dates
Potential partners
Assess and map the risk of soil and nutrient loss.
Contract let and almost complete
£12,250
2009/ 2010
ESW
Calibrate fertiliser and manure applications and analyse soil nutrients with farmers
Ongoing
£1000
2009/ 2010
ESW
Provide a soil moisture assessment and texting service Gather data for first time rural sewerage application - Ormesby St Margaret Install two biobeds in the Trinity Broads and Lound Lakes
Ongoing
£10,500
2009/ 2010 2009/ 2010 2009/ 2010
ESW
complete Uptake slow
£4000
ESW ESW
P a g e | 28
Mapping
England Catchment Sensitive Farming Project
Soil management in Broads
Broads Biodiversity Broads Biodiversity - Action Plan Date: 10/08/09
Organise farm advice workshops
NVZ workshop completed
£1000
Develop local biodiversity information and advice for farmers in the Trinity and Lound catchments Write up case study information on the catchment approach to the Trinity and Lound and submit for awards Digitise all areas of arable in the Broads Executive Area – using new aerial photos (2010) Work with the „Bure, Ant, Muck Fleet‟, „Waveney‟, „Yare‟ and „Wensum‟ CSF officers to deliver lower sediment and nutrient loading to the Broads, with particular focus on protecting lakes in accordance to the Lake Restoration Strategy Report mud on road
Reed bunting advise underway
£500
Ongoing
£1500
Largely completed for the Framework document, will need updating and ground truthing Ongoing
2009/ 2010 20092011
ESW
2009/ 2010
ESW
2009/ 2010
NBIS
2009 2014
NE, EA, Defra
2009 2014
EA
ESW
P a g e | 29
Biodiversity Indicators Biodiversity indicators are selected from surveys that are done on a routine and generally an annual basis.
UK BAP Indicator Status of BAP priority species Status of BAP priority habitats Non-native species range Abundance of breeding birds -
-
Broads Biodiversity Broads Biodiversity - Action Plan Date: 10/08/09
BA BAP indicator Status of BAP species for which we have work programmes Status of BAP habitats for which we have work programmes Information from surveys and control programmes Number of broads with holly-leaved naiad Number of broads with BAP stoneworts Percentage of Broads fens managed Number of booming bittern
Information source Periodic reviews of biodiversity audit
Number of broads in Good Ecological Status Percentage of SSSIs in favorable or recovering condition Percentage of SSSI units located in predominantly on peat in favorable or recovering condition.
EA and BA monitoring NE condition assessment
Review Broads BAP annually and update with progress on the BA website
BBAP Steering Group, Wetland Topic Group
Periodic reviews of biodiversity audit Control programme report and NBIS records BA annual water plant survey BA annual water plant survey BA fen monitoring RSPB and BA survey
NE condition assessment
P a g e | 30
5.
Glossary ABP AWS BA BESL BHBF EA ESW IDB NCC NE NFU NBIS NHM NNNSI NWT RSPB SAC SPA SSSI SWT SBRC WMA
Broads Biodiversity Broads Biodiversity - Action Plan Date: 10/08/09
Association of British Ports Anglian Water Services Broads Authority Broadland Environmental Services Ltd Broads Hire Boat Federation Environment Agency Essex & Suffolk Water Internal Drainage Board Norfolk County Council Natural England National Farmers Union Norfolk Biodiversity Information Service Natural History Museum Norfolk Non-Native Species Initiative Norfolk Wildlife Trust Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Special Area for Conservation (EU Habitats Directive) Special Protection Area (EU Birds Directive) Site of Special Scientific Interest Suffolk Wildlife Trust Suffolk Biological Records Centre Water Management Alliance
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Appendix 1 Criteria & Methodology for Identifying Potential Habitat Creation Areas A Geographical Information Systems (GIS) approach was adopted to identify potential habitat creation areas in the Broads. The mapping methodology is based on one used by Norfolk Biodiversity Information Service (NBIS), and combined with our own locally relevant criteria relating to soils and watercourses. The mapping methodology involved deciding on which datasets to include in this desk based study. In this case OS MasterMap data was used as the base layer to identify all the land parcels in the Broads, with arable and dry grassland making up the potential „target‟ layer. Criteria factors including designated sites, main rivers and broads and semi-natural areas were buffered in order that the potential areas intersecting the buffers could be identified and scored. Potential area scores were then added, with the highest scores indicating areas with the greatest potential for habitat creation. Criteria table for Identifying Potential Valley-side Habitat Creation Areas Criteria
Description
1
Areas adjacent to Designated Sites
2
Areas located on Peat
3
Areas adjacent to main rivers and Broads
Identifies potential areas adjacent to National and European sites including SSSI, SAC, SPA and Ramsar Identifies potential areas that are located on or intersect with the Broads peat resource Identifies potential areas immediately adjacent to main watercourses and tributaries
4
Areas adjacent to Local Sites of Interest
Identifies potential areas adjacent to local sites of interest including CWS and LNR
5
Areas creating‟ Links‟ to other habitats
Identifies potential areas that form „links‟ by joining two or more areas of existing seminatural habitat
6
Areas creating‟ Bridges‟ to other habitats
Identifies potential areas that create „bridges‟ between semi-natural habitats
Broads Biodiversity Broads Biodiversity - Action Plan Date: 10/08/09
Measure
Score
Potential areas that intersect a10m buffer applied to the Designated sites Potential areas that intersect the BGS peat map Potential areas that intersect a12m buffer applied to the main rivers and Broads Potential areas that intersect a 10m buffer applied to CWS and LNR Potential areas that fall within 10m buffers of more than one area of semi natural
20
Potential areas that fall within 10m buffers of semi-
10
20 20
10
10
P a g e | 32
7
Areas creating „Stepping Stones‟ to Existing Semi-Natural Habitat
Identifies potential areas that create a „stepping stone‟ effect to existing semi-natural habitats
natural and a stepping stone Potential areas within two buffers of semi natural. Scores are related inversely to an increase in buffer size.
100m =10 250m = 8 500m =5
List of datasets used for Potential Habitat Creation Maps
Dataset Title
Source
OS Master Map
Ordnance Survey
Broads BAP Boundary
Broads Authority
Peat layer
British Geological Survey
Rivers and Broads
Broads Authority
Semi-Natural Areas
Broads Authority, Natural England, NBIS
Sites of Special Scientific Interest
Natural England
Special Protection Areas
Natural England
Special Areas of Conservation
Natural England
Ramsar sites
Natural England
Local Nature Reserves
Natural England
County Wildlife Sites
Wildlife Trusts
Urban Settlements
Broads Authority
Broads Biodiversity Broads Biodiversity - Action Plan Date: 10/08/09
P a g e | 33
Potential Habitat Creation Opportunity Map The Ordnance Survey MasterMap dataset was used as the base layer for the Broads BAP opportunity mapping exercise. 1
Each OS Master Map land parcel was scored individually according to the criteria outlined. This level of detail has resulted in some features such as dykes, drains and footpaths being represented unintentionally on the map. The scoring system allowed each land parcel to gain a total score. These total scores defined the three priority opportunity classes, namely high, medium and low. Each class represented a range of scores, meaning that some land parcels for example, scored at the upper end of the priority medium range or at the low end of the high range, thus resulting in some overlap between the defining classes. The process of targeting land parcels as potential habitat creation areas has resulted in patterns of opportunity being dictated by the size of the land parcel rather than its value in relation to the surrounding landscape. However this method is favourable in that land parcels dictate land ownership in most cases, an essential component of future habitat creation projects. It is recognised that creation and improvements of semi-natural habitats in the Broads will increase the value and potential of any surrounding land parcels in the future. It should also be noted that potential opportunity areas surrounded by semi natural grazing marsh habitat would automatically receive a high priority score regardless of the criteria outlined. This process recognises the high value of these areas for biodiversity enhancement and creation. The potential for some types of habitat creation require further investigation in terms of ground truthing. This will determine factors such as soil type suitability and establish landowner aspiration to potential habitat creation projects. 1
A land parcel describes a unit of land usually delineated according to land ownership or land use.
Broads Biodiversity Broads Biodiversity - Action Plan Date: 08/09/09
P a g e | 34
Appendix 2. Draft Broads BAP habitat targets 2009-2015 Habitat
Total
Rivers
122km
Valley
Ant
Notes Maintained
Achieve condition of existing BAP habitat
Restoration by 2015 (where habitat has been practically lost)
Expansion by 2015
Maintained
Achieve condition of existing BAP habitat
Restoration by 2015 (where habitat has been practically lost)
Expansion by 2015
total area of habitat to be maintained (ha)
habitat in good condition
restoration complete
Habitat to be created from established land uses other than that habitat
total area of habitat to be maintained (ha)
habitat in good condition
restoration required
restoration complete
restoration required
Habitat to be created from established land uses other than that habitat
WFD
WFD
WFD
WFD
WFD & LRS
WFD & LRS
WFD & LRS
WFD & LRS
restoration required
restoration required
122
Bure & Muckfleet (length in km) Thurne Yare Waveney Total 122 km Lakes
841.1 2.80%
Reedbeds
706 2.35%
Ant Bure & Muckfleet
89.65 370.24
Thurne
227.00
Yare
100.67
Waveney
44.54
Ant
57.15
Bure & Muckfleet
112.59
Thurne
142.00
Yare
322.71
Waveney Fens
3,193
Ant
Broads Biodiversity Broads Biodiversity - Action Plan Date: 10/08/09
runham 30 Chapmans
target land of low conservation value
SSSI condition
no target in regional BAP
5 Upton
60 bishops marsh and nuttall's
71.13 754.64
target to initiate restoration
SSSI condition and FES S fen
Oulton no target in regional BAP
P a g e | 35
10.64%
Grazing marsh
Bure & Muckfleet
11844 39.48%
1,088.55
Thurne
416.60
Yare
690.33
Waveney
242.84
Ant Bure & Muckfleet
too difficult to split data for each valley
peat assessmt to identify areas Grazing marsh BAP assessment ongoing Upton
x% of marginal arable Bure Living Landscape
Oulton
Wav Living Landscape
Thurne Yare Waveney Woodland
1,604 5.35%
Ant
181.70
Bure & Muckfleet
528.94
Thurne
195.18
Yare
180.04
Waveney
518.51
Coast
480.52
480.52
Estuary
376.01
376.01
Heathland and dry acid grassland
196
0.65%
Ant Bure & Muckfleet Thurne Yare
4,324
26.72
Phase 1 assessment & SSSI condition
Not relevant
SSSI condition
SSSI condition
econet creation of dune grass land
SSSI condition
SSSI condition
target to initiate restoration
econet creation of dune grass land
2.74 41.60 1.62
Waveney
123.74
Ant
185.90
Arable 14.41%
Bure & Muckfleet Thurne
1,607.20 457.00
Yare
1,018.10
Waveney
1,056.20
Broads Biodiversity Broads Biodiversity - Action Plan Date: 10/08/09
P a g e | 36